WANA (August 15) – Haaretz has claimed that Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued an order to seize 18 oil tankers linked to Iran.

 

The publication reported that Gallant signed a decree aiming to confiscate these Iranian tankers, which are allegedly responsible for financing the Quds Force, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

 

If Haaretz’s report is accurate and Israel proceeds with the seizure of Iranian tankers, it would signify a step towards escalating the conflict into the maritime domain, intensifying tensions on a new level.

 

This suggests that Tel Aviv might be adopting a policy of directly threatening Iranian assets at sea, a move unprecedented from Israel’s side, though the reverse has historical precedent.

 

Undoubtedly, such a policy would pose a serious threat to the security of energy and maritime transport across the Middle East and the Red Sea.

 

This could militarize the situation in the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea, potentially making Israel and the Arab nations among the biggest losers.

 

An Iranian warship is seen during a joint naval military drill between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this picture obtained on March 17, 2023. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)

An Iranian warship is seen during a joint naval military drill between Iran, Russia, and China in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, in this picture obtained on March 17, 2023. Iranian Army/WANA (West Asia News Agency)