According to the IRGC, the vessel was carrying some 30,000 tonnes of petrochemical products, bound for Singapore. Geo News reports that Iranian authorities say the tanker violated the law because it was transporting “unauthorised cargo.”

In a statement, the IRGC said its rapid-reaction naval units monitored the Talara’s movements, intercepted it, and boarded it at around 7:30 a.m., under orders from judicial authorities “for the purpose of safeguarding the national interests and resources of the Islamic Republic.”

The ship, managed by Cyprus-based Columbia Ship management, had reportedly departed from Ajman in the United Arab Emirates, heading to Singapore when it was diverted. Al Jazeera report that in a brief public response, the company said it “lost contact” with the Talara and is closely coordinating with maritime security agencies and the vessel’s owner to “restore contact with the vessel.” The firm emphasized that the safety of the crew remains its foremost priority.

In its justification, the IRGC asserted that the seizure was carried out lawfully and in full compliance with national judicial orders.

From the U.S. side, U.S. Central Command said it was “aware of the incident” and “actively monitoring the situation,” adding that “commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high seas,” as reported by Al Jazeera.

Observers note the incident comes amid rising regional maritime tensions, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy trade.