Two developments.  First, the SK government apparently believes [sarcasm here] the IRGC version of events because “Seoul dispatched an acclaimed anti-piracy unit to the Strait of Hormuz following the tanker’s seizure. The Cheonghae Unit, which includes South Korean special forces, arrived in the strait on Tuesday aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Choi Yong, according to the South Korean defense ministry.”  Second, the SK business apparently believes [sarcasm here] the IRGC version of events because “the Hankuk Chemi’s owner said it was in contact with the South Korean consulate in Tehran and expected more information later in the day. The company added that it has asked its protection and indemnity insurance (P&I) club to investigate the seizure. The insurance club is expected to dispatch an investigator to Iran to check on the safety of the crew and to examine Iran’s claim that the tanker was seized due to environmental contamination.”  See “Armed Iranian troops boarded South Korean tanker, ship’s owner says,” Jake Kwon, Gawon Bae, and Zamira Rahim, CNN. January 5, 2021.

Iran says the SK ship was leaking oil.  The pictures of the seizure don’t show any oil streak or sheen.  We all look forward to hearing more about the environmental threat of the tanker and what steps needed to contain the spill.  “Footage shows chemical tanker seized by Iranian forces,” CNN, January 5, 2021.

Reminder–Iranians who travel to Israel can be sentenced to five years in prison and of course deprived of a passport.  “Iran temporarily frees Jewish prisoner for her crime of visiting Israel,” Benjamin Weinthal, Jerusalem Post, January 5, 2021.

“Ukraine receives draft report on UIA plane crash from Iran – Kuleba,” Ukrinform, January 5, 2021.

“Iran issues Interpol notice for 48 US officials including Trump,” Maziar Motamedi, Al Jazeera, January 5, 2021.

“Accord Towards Ending Gulf Dispute Result of Qatar’s ‘Brave Resistance’: Iran’s Zarif,” Reuters, USNWR, January 5, 2021.

“Eyeing Gulf detente, Saudi Arabia opens summit with call to counter Iran threat”,” Aziz El Yaakoubi, Reuters, January 5, 2021.

“Iran Can’t Afford to Avenge the Death of Qassem Soleimani,” Bobby Ghosh, op-ed, Bloomberg, January 5, 2021.

“Saudi Arabia And Qatar Lower Tensions In U.S.-Backed Agreement,” Elena Moore, NPR, January 5, 2021.

300 anti-terror SK troops.  Wow.  “South Korea Sends Military Forces To Strait Of Hormuz After Tanker Seizure,” Irina Slav, OilPrice.com, January 5, 2021.