Iran releases seized tanker after five days, vessel’s manager confirms

Iran has released a Marshall Islands-flagged tanker that was detained in the Strait of Hormuz last week, according to the company that manages the vessel. The Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement said the crew members aboard the tanker Talara were safe, in good spirits, and preparing to resume normal operations after being held for five days.

There has been no immediate statement from Iranian authorities about the release. The Islamic Revolution Guard Corps announced on Saturday that it had intercepted the tanker, accusing it of carrying unauthorised cargo in violation of Iranian law. The Talara had been travelling from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore with a shipment of high sulphur gasoil when it was stopped around twenty nautical miles off the Emirati port of Khor Fakkan and diverted to Bandar Abbas.

Columbia Shipmanagement said that at no point during the detention were any allegations made against the ship, its crew or its owners. The company expressed relief at the release and thanked international partners who assisted in monitoring the situation. All twenty one crew members, who come from a number of different countries, were checked by the authorities and were reported to be unharmed.

The Strait of Hormuz, one of the most strategically sensitive waterways in the world, is a frequent flashpoint for tensions involving Iran. Nearly one fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments pass through the narrow channel, making any disruption a cause for global concern. Over the past several years, the IRGC has seized or detained several commercial vessels in the Strait and the Gulf, often citing legal or environmental violations. Some of these incidents have also been linked to broader geopolitical disputes.

This latest seizure was the first since the brief twelve day conflict between Iran and Israel in June. Analysts say the release of the tanker may indicate that Iran does not want to escalate maritime tensions at a time when regional diplomacy remains strained. Maritime security experts note that such incidents can raise insurance costs, complicate shipping routes and create uncertainty for global energy markets.

The Talara has now been cleared to continue its journey, though it remains unclear whether it will return to its original destination or undergo further inspection. Shipping industry officials say the priority is ensuring the crew’s wellbeing and confirming that the vessel has not been damaged.

Governments in the region continue to monitor vessel movements closely. International organisations have repeatedly called for safe passage for all commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, warning that repeated detentions pose a risk to global trade.