The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced on Thursday that “after confirming that a foreign tanker is carrying smuggled oil” its forces have seized a tanker on Sunday, July 14, near the Strait of Hormuz in the Persian Gulf.

After the announcement by the IRGC, the British government demanded more information on the matter.

A spokesperson for the British government said on Thursday, July 18: We are monitoring the situation constantly and we are committed to protecting the freedom of navigation in accordance with international laws.”

Iran is yet to disclose the nationality of the detained ship.

According to the IRGC statement: “The tanker was carrying one million liters of fuel which it had received from Iranian smugglers and it was on its way to deliver the fuel to foreign countries.”

Two days ago, some news agencies reported the disappearance of “Riah” tanker while passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

At first, it was announced that the tanker, which was flying the Panama flag, belonged to the UAE. But a UAE official has denied any connection between the tanker and his country.

The spokesperson for Iran’s foreign ministry announced yesterday that “The foreign oil tanker had some technical difficulties, and after receiving a help request, Iranian tugboats transferred it to Iranian waters for repairs.”

According to an American official, it is yet unclear whether Iran has saved the tanker or seized it.