Iran Turns Back Chinese Tanker While Still Holding UAE Product Carrier
Two China-linked VLCCs abort Hormuz transits as confirmed passages fall 17 percent
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it is enforcing Iranian maritime law in the Strait of Hormuz following the end of an agreement with the United States, and that it turned back a Chinese oil tanker rather than attacking it.
The force said it chose to issue a warning in the case of that vessel, a departure from its recent handling of UAE tankers, which have been struck or seized.
Maritime intelligence firm Windward observed two China-linked tankers aborting outbound transits. The Hong Kong-flagged Sea V, 317,788 dwt, which had come from Iraq, is now anchored near the entrance to the strait. The Hestia, 299,990 dwt, aborted its entry into the Persian Gulf and is anchored at Khor Fakkan.
The IRGC continues to detain the UAE-linked product tanker Amara, 47,931 dwt, now anchored near Larak Island in Iranian waters. Iran states that the vessel violated maritime law and refused to pay service fees. The ship was inbound empty for Jebel Ali when it was stopped on Monday.
Transit data shows confirmed passages through the Strait of Hormuz declined 17 percent, with six vessels exiting and four entering on August 18. U.S. Central Command reported redirecting 65 vessels as of August 18 and continues to assert control of the waterway.
The distinction Iran is drawing between the two groups of ships is visible in the outcomes rather than in any published rule. Tonnage linked to China has been warned and turned away. Tonnage linked to the UAE has been attacked or held.
The fee demand behind both categories of enforcement applies to traffic using the non-Iranian side of the strait, and dates from the expiry of the 60-day understanding between Tehran and Washington.
