Iranian Navy Seizes Oil Tanker OCEAN KOI in Sea of Oman
Iran says the tanker sought to disrupt the country’s oil exports before naval commandos seized the vessel in a special operation in the Sea of Oman.
Iran, PUREWILAYAH.COM — The Iranian Army announced that the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran seized the oil tanker OCEAN KOI during a special operation in the Sea of Oman after the vessel attempted to disrupt Iran’s oil exports and damage the interests of the Iranian nation.
In an official statement released Friday, the Iranian Army said the operation was carried out under a resolution of the Supreme National Security Council and pursuant to a judicial order.
According to the statement, the tanker was carrying a cargo of oil belonging to the Islamic Republic of Iran and sought to exploit regional conditions in order to interfere with Iran’s oil exports and national interests.
Iranian naval commandos and marines boarded and secured the vessel before escorting it to the country’s southern shores, where it was handed over to judicial authorities.
“The Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran Army will firmly defend the interests and assets of the Iranian nation in the regional waters of our country and will show no leniency toward any violator or aggressor,” the statement said.
Iran has repeatedly stressed that it will continue defending its maritime interests, energy exports, and regional waters amid escalating tensions across West Asia.n’s oil exports and the interests of the Iranian nation.” (PW)