Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval forces have seized two oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of transporting more than 1 million liters of smuggled fuel in what state media described as a crackdown on illicit fuel trafficking. The operation took place near Farsi Island, and both vessels were intercepted and moved to Bushehr port under IRGC control, Iranian officials said.
According to the IRGC’s statement, 15 foreign crew members aboard the two tankers were detained and referred to judicial authorities for legal proceedings. Authorities did not immediately disclose the nationalities of the crew or the countries whose flags the tankers were flying.
Iran regularly carries out such seizures in the strategic waters of the Persian Gulf and the adjacent Strait of Hormuz, citing efforts to combat fuel smuggling and protect national resources. These actions come amid heightened regional tensions, including disputes with the United States and concerns about maritime security in vital oil shipping lanes. The narrow Strait of Hormuz is a crucial chokepoint through which a significant share of the world’s petroleum supplies are transported, meaning disruptions or aggressive enforcement actions can have broader implications for global energy markets and diplomatic relations.
This latest maritime operation follows a series of similar incidents in recent months, highlighting ongoing enforcement by Iranian authorities against what they describe as organized smuggling networks operating within Gulf waters.
News as reported
