Iran seized the tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, as reported today (8/5) by Iranian state television, citing military sources. The Barbados-flagged vessel was allegedly carrying Iranian oil and “attempting to damage and disrupt oil exports… exploiting the conditions in the region.”
Read: United Arab Emirates: Iran attacked with two ballistic missiles and three drones
Iran: Tanker handed over to judicial authorities
The tanker was escorted to Iranian shores and handed over to judicial authorities, according to the same sources. The vessel seizure comes at a time when the US and Tehran are clashing over the Strait of Hormuz.
According to IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) News, the Iranian Navy had conducted a special operation to seize an “offending tanker” named “OCEAN KOI” for attempting to export Iranian oil.
Her new name is actually JIN LI (9255933), and has been so since 2025-11-30.… pic.twitter.com/3Wv8jJNEAr
— TankerTrackers.com, Inc. (@TankerTrackers) May 8, 2026
Toll system being prepared for Strait of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran has established a government agency tasked with approving passages through the Strait of Hormuz and collecting fees. “Iran has formed a new Persian Gulf Strait Authority responsible for licensing ship passages through the Strait of Hormuz and collecting transit fees,” reports Lloyd’s List.
According to the same source, vessels must provide information about owners, crew, and routes. Press TV reports that Iran has established “a system to exercise its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz” and that transiting ships receive instructions.
