Korean Oil Tanker Heading to UAE Seized by Iran's Revolutionary Guard (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The South Korean-flagged oil tanker 'Hanguk Kemi' heading to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was seized by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

On the 4th (local time), the Iranian semi-official Fars News Agency reported, "The Revolutionary Guard seized a South Korean vessel in the Gulf waters and moved it to port," adding, "It was seized due to oil pollution and environmental risks."

According to major foreign media, the seized vessel belongs to DM Shipping based in Busan, and its name is 'Hanguk Kemi.' It was reported that the South Korean flag was flying on the tanker.

The seized crew members are of South Korean, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Myanmar nationalities. According to local media, they have been detained in Bandar Abbas, a southern port city of Iran.

Major foreign media cited Iranian local outlets in reporting the seizure of the South Korean oil tanker.

AP News, citing the ship information site 'Marine Traffic,' reported that the Hanguk Kemi was en route from Saudi Arabia to Fujairah in the UAE. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), operated by the British Navy, confirmed that there was "interaction" between Iranian authorities and the Hanguk Kemi, resulting in the merchant ship changing its course toward Iranian territorial waters.

The seizure of the South Korean oil tanker by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps occurred amid heightened military tensions between the United States and Iran. Iran is currently in a strong anti-American mood marking the first anniversary of the death of Qassem Soleimani, former commander of the Quds Force (elite unit of the Revolutionary Guard), who was killed in a U.S. military strike.

On the 2nd, Hossein Salami, Commander-in-Chief of the Revolutionary Guard, visited the garrison on Abu Musa Island, a strategic point in the Gulf waters, emphasizing, "We will respond to any hostile act by the enemy with resolute and powerful strikes."

In response, the United States has deployed a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and Ohio-class nuclear submarines to the Gulf waters (Persian Gulf) and dispatched B-52 strategic nuclear bombers to conduct shows of force, pressuring Iran in preparation for retaliatory military actions. Rebecca Rebarich, spokesperson for the U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet, told AP News regarding the seizure of the Hanguk Kemi, "We are aware of the situation and are monitoring it closely."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.