Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy has confirmed intelligence reports that it intercepted a Marshall Islands-flagged crude oil tanker, stating that the action was carried out to safeguard the interests and resources of the Iranian nation.

According to the IRGC Navy, rapid-reaction units intercepted the vessel at 7:30 a.m. on Friday after receiving a judicial order to confiscate its cargo. The vessel was monitored, tracked, and subsequently detained by IRGC forces off the southern coast of Makran.

It added that the tanker, carrying 30,000 tons of petrochemical cargo and en route to Singapore, was directed to anchorage for an investigation into alleged violations.

In a statement on Saturday, the IRGC Navy noted that this operation was carried out in line with its legal duties and for the purpose of safeguarding the national interests and resources of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and was successfully completed under the order of judicial authorities.

It stated that accurate reporting required a full examination of the cargo, inspection of the tanker, and review of its documents – an effort that was successfully conducted by the IRGC Navy force.

The force also claimed that the tanker has committed violation for carrying “unauthorized cargo.”

Reports suggest it was carrying high-sulphur gasoil. The company that manages the ship announced it had lost contact with the crew on Friday morning, while the tanker was 20 nautical miles off the coast of Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates.

Previously, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning advising ships to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity.

UKMTO received a report on Friday of an incident 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan (Khawr Fakkan), prompting United Arab Emirates authorities to start investigations.

“The incident is believed to be state activity; the vessel is transiting towards Iranian territorial waters,” UKMTO stated in its advisory.

The vessel, owned by a Cyprus-based company, was en route from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Singapore when the incident occurred.