News Desk
TEHRAN: Iranian authorities have seized a foreign oil tanker allegedly carrying a large quantity of smuggled fuel, state media reported on Sunday.
According to Iranian outlets, the tanker, intercepted in the Gulf, was transporting approximately 4 million liters of smuggled fuel. Following the operation, 16 crew members were taken into custody. Officials did not disclose the identity of the vessel or its crew.
The seizure follows a similar incident last week in the Gulf of Oman, when Iranian authorities reported confiscating another foreign tanker carrying around 6 million liters of smuggled diesel. In that case too, details about the vessel’s nationality and crew were not released.
Iran has frequently cited smuggling of fuel as a major security and economic concern, particularly in the Gulf and Oman Sea regions. Analysts say such operations are part of Tehran’s broader efforts to enforce maritime security and deter illegal shipments amid heightened regional tensions.
