WANA (Aug 19) – An Emirati oil tanker previously seized in the Strait of Hormuz has changed its course and is currently moving toward the port of Bandar Abbas, according to reports.

 

The vessel was initially intercepted while navigating the northern corridor of the Strait of Hormuz, with its original destination set for Jebel Ali Port.

 

Authorities have now redirected the tanker toward the Iranian port city.

 

It is claimed that the reason for the seizure is the “violation of Iran’s maritime laws,” including the refusal to use the route designated by the Islamic Republic and the failure to pay service fees. The name of the vessel, its cargo, and its crew were not announced.

 

This is the first time that the Islamic Republic has explicitly declared the refusal to pay service fees as the reason for stopping a vessel.