Iran said its commandos detained the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman, claiming the vessel was attempting to disrupt exports of Iranian crude, reports Bloomberg.

State television stated that the ship was seized during a special operation and was carrying Iranian oil. The Islamic Republic News Agency alleged that the tanker sought to exploit regional conditions, without elaborating further. Shipping databases list the vessel as managed by a Chinese company.

Video released by state media showed small boats approaching the tanker at night, with armed men boarding and raising the Iranian flag. No details were provided regarding the timing of the seizure or additional information about the ship.

Benchmark oil prices in London remained relatively unchanged after the incident. Prices had risen earlier following clashes between US and Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, although Washington stated that a ceasefire remains in place as talks continue to end the 10-week war.

The US sanctioned a tanker of the same name in February, accusing it of being part of Iran's shadow fleet that carried millions of barrels of fuel. Equasis records list Ocean Kudos Shipping Co of Shanghai as the manager, with no contact details provided.

Iran has enforced a near closure of the Strait of Hormuz since late February, restricting the flow of oil, gas, and other goods. Tankers carrying Iranian oil had passed through until the US imposed a naval blockade in mid-April. Washington claims that several vessels have since been forced to turn back.