Iran Seizes Tanker; Media Forgets US Iranian Oil Seizures
Al-Monitor, citing 'security firms,' breathlessly reports Iran 'likely seized' an oil tanker, the 'Talara,' signaling Tehran has 'resumed maritime captures.' This, we are told, stokes 'concern.' What's conveniently ignored is the US's well-documented pattern of seizing Iranian oil and tankers, which has been going on for years. Just ask the crew of the Suez Rajan, whose Iranian oil cargo was
seized by the US in April 2023, or the numerous other vessels targeted under US sanctions. These aren't 'likely' captures; they're confirmed, publicly celebrated acts by the US government. So, Iran 'resumes maritime captures' (perhaps in retaliation for hundreds of ships seized by the US since sanctions were imposed)? The media frames this as an unprovoked act of aggression, not a response to an
ongoing economic blockade and a tit-for-tat in a heavily militarized waterway. One might wonder if 'concern' is only warranted when American dominance is challenged, not when it's enforced.