Iran Warns of Retaliation Against Unloading Seized Tanker's Oil

Iran's IRGC navy commander warned that Tehran would retaliate against any oil company involved in unloading Iranian oil from a seized tanker.

Alireza Tangsiri issued the warning as US prosecutors struggled to auction seized Iranian oil from a Greek tanker near Texas.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, the auctioning of 800,000 barrels of seized Iranian oil has been met with reluctance from US companies due to fears of Iranian retaliation. Companies with exposure in the Persian Gulf region are particularly wary, with concerns that they could become targets of Iranian aggression.

"We hold the oil company that wants to unload our oil from this ship responsible, and we also hold Washington responsible," Tangsiri declared.

The standoff sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by the US government in enforcing sanctions against Iran. Iran's increased attacks against Western shipping interests serve as a deterrent to interdicting Iranian exports, making it difficult for the US to proceed with the auction of the seized oil.

In recent months, Tehran's military forces have hijacked several Western tankers in what is seen as retaliation for previous Western seizures of Iranian oil. This ongoing cycle of aggression has escalated tensions in the region and poses significant difficulties for the international community in maintaining stability and maritime security.

In response to the escalating situation, the US Defense Department announced on Monday that it would deploy F-35 jet fighters and a Navy destroyer to the Middle East. The deployment aims to deter further Iranian seizures of tankers and to address Russian aggression in the region.