Iran seizes Togolese-flagged cargo ship in the Persian Gulf

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) intercepted a Togo-flagged, UAE-managed product tanker carrying 1,500 tonnes of marine gasoil, according to British security firm Ambrey. The tanker was loading gas oil off the coast of Iraq and en route to Sharjah, UAE when it was intercepted 61 nautical miles southwest of the Iranian port of Bushehr. Ambrey stated that the incident was likely an IRGC anti-smuggling operation, rather than politically motivated.

Iran has been facing issues with fuel smuggling, both by land to neighboring countries and by sea to the Gulf states, due to its low fuel prices and currency depreciation. The fate of the seized ship, named the BETELGEUSE, was not disclosed in the report. The incident occurred in the northern Gulf, and Ambrey believes that the ship’s trading behavior matched the IRGC’s previous target profile. The interception is not classified as a war incident and emphasizes the ongoing challenge of fuel smuggling in the region.

This latest seizure by the IRGC highlights the ongoing battle against fuel smuggling in the region, with Iran taking action to combat the illegal trade. The interception of the Togo-flagged tanker is part of Iran’s efforts to prevent fuel smuggling and protect its own resources. Despite the lack of political motivation reported by Ambrey, the incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced in the maritime industry, particularly in the volatile region of the Persian Gulf.

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