Iran seizes foreign tanker in Sea of Oman over fuel smuggling charges

Tehran: Iran's judiciary announced on Wednesday that a foreign tanker has been seized in the Sea of Oman on charges of fuel smuggling. The vessel was intercepted after its cargo's legal documents were found to be incomplete, according to Mojtaba Ghahremani, head of the judiciary in southern Hormozgan province, as reported by the Mizan Online outlet.

Ghahremani stated that the ship was reportedly carrying "two million litres of smuggled fuel," and that "seventeen suspects, including the captain and crew of the foreign tanker, have been taken into custody." The nationality of those arrested was not immediately disclosed. Authorities are currently conducting laboratory tests and reviewing documents to verify the contents and legality of the cargo.

This latest seizure follows similar incidents, including one just months prior when Iran's Revolutionary Guards intercepted two Tanzanian-flagged tankers in the Gulf, allegedly transporting 1.5 million litres of diesel. Those vessels, identified as the Sea Ranger and Salama, with 25 foreign crew members, were subsequently transferred to the port of Bushehr for legal proceedings.

Fuel smuggling remains a persistent challenge for Iran, primarily due to heavy government subsidies that keep domestic fuel prices among the lowest in the world, creating a lucrative incentive for illicit trade.

With inputs from AFP