Iranian naval forces seized the oil tanker “OCEAN KOI” during a special operation in regional waters, the official news agency Islamic Republic News Agency reported.
According to IRNA, naval commandos intercepted the vessel after accusing it of attempting to disrupt Iran’s oil exports and harm national interests. The report said the tanker was carrying Iranian oil cargo and had taken advantage of regional conditions to interfere with exports.
Iranian forces then escorted the tanker to the country’s southern shores and transferred it to judicial authorities, citing the army.
⚡️🇮🇷🇨🇳 IRANIAN navy has seized the tanker Ocean Koi in a special operation in the Sea of Oman, accusing it of attempting to disrupt oil exports and harm Iran’s national interests.
— Global Surveillance (@Globalsurv) May 8, 2026
TankerTrackers reports that the tanker, now named Jin Li (IMO 9255933), has transported Iranian… pic.twitter.com/0XihTRqp5Z
The army said it will continue to defend Iran’s assets in regional waters and warned it will show “no leniency” toward violators.
Data from MarineTraffic indicates that the “OCEAN KOI” sails under the Barbados flag.
Tensions have escalated sharply in recent days after the United States launched an operation on Sunday aimed at breaking Iran’s control over Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces have repeatedly warned US warships against approaching the strategic waterway.
Iranian officials have vowed to maintain their sovereign authority over the chokepoint, warning that any attempt to challenge their control will be met with force.
Source: Iranian media (translated and edited by Al-Manar)