tanker

The spokesman warned that Iran would "without any doubt" respond to the alleged attack, but added that Iran would not take any action until an investigation into the incident is completed.

Since 2019, Israel has been using naval weapons to strike vessels which were either Iranian or carried Iranian cargo as they made their way to Syria, according to the report.

Regarding the rest of the country's beaches, the statement said that cleaning operations are still underway, and that the public should beware of going to polluted beaches.

The practice of turning off tracking systems is commonly done by Iranian vessels to avoid detection for violating the trade embargo with Syria.

The country's northern beaches have proved harder to clean, due to their rockier terrain, which tar more easily clings to than sand.

The cleaning of the tar is done using special oils. It is a lengthy process that requires patience and an especially gentle hand.

Iran has denied allegations that the seizure of the tanker and its 20-member crew amounted to hostage taking, and said it was Seoul that was holding Iran's funds "hostage."

The IRGC also behaves more like a pirate navy than an actual navy, harassing ships, threatening others and sometimes outright stealing and hijacking vessels.

The SBS's closest equivalent in the United States is the SEAL Team Six, or Task Force Blue.

It is highly unusual for pirates or hijackers to do this off the coast of the UAE, one of the most heavily trafficked waterways for oil tankers.