Iran Seizes Oil Tanker in Sea of Oman Over Alleged Sanctions Evasion

May 8, 2026

Iran seized the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Sea of Oman on May 8, 2026, alleging the vessel attempted to disrupt Iran's oil exports through sanctions evasion. Separately, a Chinese-crewed oil tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, 2026, with no crew casualties reported. China's foreign ministry expressed deep concern on May 8 about vessels affected by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Oil tanker seizure

▪Iran seized the oil tanker Ocean Koi in the Sea of Oman on May 8, 2026.
▪Iranian state media reported the seizure of the oil tanker Ocean Koi on May 8, 2026.
▪Iran alleged that the oil tanker Ocean Koi attempted to disrupt Iran's oil exports.

Strait of Hormuz attack

▪China's foreign ministry expressed deep concern about vessels affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on May 8, 2026.
▪China's Caixin reported on May 7, 2026 that a Chinese-owned oil products tanker was attacked near the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, 2026.

Chinese crew involvement

▪Chinese nationals were aboard the oil products tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, 2026.
▪No crew casualties were reported from the oil products tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz as of May 8, 2026.

Perspective of China

▪China's foreign ministry expressed deep concern about vessels affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East on May 8, 2026.
▪Chinese nationals were aboard the oil products tanker attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on May 4, 2026.