Iran likely seized an oil tanker that suddenly changed course towards the country’s waters Friday, two security companies said, stoking concern that Tehran has resumed maritime captures after a lull.

The ship, which had left Ajman in the United Arab Emirates destined for Singapore, was heading for Iranian waters.

Ellie Shafik of Vanguard Tech told AFP the Talara had been intercepted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and detained.

“It’s unclear why,” she said. “Iran will likely frame this as a judicially ordered, law-based action, masking what may just be a strategic seizure.”

Iran has so far not commented on the incident.

The US Navy said it was “actively monitoring the situation”.

“Commercial vessels are entitled to largely unimpeded rights of navigation and commerce on the high

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