Iran has seized a foreign oil tanker near Qeshm Island in the Gulf, claiming it was transporting 4 million liters of smuggled fuel. State media reported the incident, which occurred on Wednesday, but did not reveal the vessel’s name or nationality. Sixteen foreign crew members have been detained on criminal charges.
In a related incident, Iran reported seizing another foreign tanker in the Gulf of Oman the previous week, which was carrying 6 million liters of what it described as smuggled diesel. Details about that vessel’s identity were also not disclosed.
Iran’s actions come amid efforts to combat widespread fuel smuggling, exacerbated by the country’s low fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and a devalued currency. The government is targeting both land and maritime smuggling to neighboring countries and Gulf states.
The Iranian authorities have released video footage and photographs of the seized tanker, emphasizing their commitment to tackling illegal fuel trade in the region.
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