Iranian officials recently seized a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman and confiscated over 2 million liters of suspected smuggled fuel. This development was reported on July 16 by the Supreme Judge of Hormozgan Province, following an inspection that revealed the tanker lacked necessary legal documents for its cargo. The vessel’s 17-member crew, including the captain, has been arrested and is facing legal action in Jask County. The ship’s identity and intended destination remain undisclosed.
The judge indicated that authorities are gathering evidence regarding the fuel’s exact volume, employing laboratory tests and a review of documentation to assess the fuel’s type and legality. Iran’s state media plans to provide updates once these reviews are completed. Due to government subsidies and a weakened currency, Iran has some of the lowest fuel prices globally, which has exacerbated smuggling issues as traffickers illegally transport fuel across borders or via sea routes.
In March 2025 alone, Iranian authorities intercepted two ships containing approximately 3 million liters of diesel fuel, resulting in the detention of 25 crew members. Similar operations in April and June also led to further seizures. Earlier this year, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard intercepted two Tanzanian tankers for allegedly transporting 1.5 million liters of diesel for legal examination.
