Egypt is actively working to secure the release of four citizens detained by Iran after the seizure of a foreign tanker last month. The Iranian authorities captured the vessel, Reem alKhaleej, on allegations of carrying “smuggled fuel” in the Gulf, with the Egyptian foreign ministry confirming the crew members’ presence at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port.
Last month, Iran announced it had seized an oil tanker near Qeshm Island, claiming it was transporting 4 million liters of smuggled fuel. While the vessel’s name and nationality remain undisclosed, Iran stated that 16 foreign crew members were detained on criminal charges.
Iran, facing some of the world’s lowest fuel prices due to heavy subsidies and a depreciating national currency, is intensifying efforts to combat rampant fuel smuggling both by land and sea to neighboring Gulf states.
The situation underscores ongoing tensions in the region and the complexities surrounding maritime security and international relations.
Share it now
