Iran said it had seized a foreign oil tanker in the Sea of Oman, suspected of carrying around 2 million liters of smuggled fuel, according to local media.
Newsweek has reached out to the Iranian Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
Iran has long cited fuel smuggling and maritime violations to justify its tanker seizures, part of broader efforts to assert control over the Persian Gulf—a vital artery for global energy. The actions have previously caused tensions with the U.S. and allies and raised concerns over the safety of oil shipping routes.
U.S. sanctions have crippled Iran’s oil exports, while recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities added to the economic pressure with direct action aimed at curbing Tehran’s strategic capabilities. The seizure of the tanker comes at a time of continuing high tension.
This archive picture taken on October 31, 2022 shows a view of an oil tanker, seized by Iranian naval forces at the Gulf port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. This archive picture taken on October 31, 2022 shows a view of an oil tanker, seized by Iranian naval forces at the Gulf port of Bandar Abbas in southern Iran. IRNA/AFP/Getty Images
What To Know
The vessel was seized along Iran’s maritime borders in the Sea of Oman, on suspicion of carrying smuggled fuel after authorities found its cargo’s legal documentation was incomplete, according to the semi-official Mehr News Agency.
Authorities did not disclose the name, nationality or destination of the vessel but published photos after the seizure.
Chief Justice of Hormozgan Province Mojtaba Ghahremani said 17 people, including the captain and crew were arrested. Located in southern Iran with numerous ports, the province is a major gateway for Iran connecting the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean.
Fuel smuggling is a recurring challenge in Iran, with millions of liters smuggled daily, according to officials. In 2024, Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf estimated that Between 25 and 30 million liters of products are smuggled out of the country every day in an organized process, Iranian media reported.
In April, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of smuggling diesel fuel amid ongoing tensions with the U.S. over maritime security in the region.
Despite heavy Western sanctions, Iran has managed to sustain a thriving global oil trade by using a shadow fleet of tankers that operate covertly to evade restrictions, selling to buyers in Asia and using the revenue to support its economy and fund allied militias across the Middle East, a Reuters analysis said in January.
What People Are Saying
Hormozgan Province Mojtaba Ghahremani, as quoted by Reuters: “The actions of fuel smugglers, who in coordination with foreigners, attempt to plunder national wealth will not remain hidden from the judiciary and punishment of perpetrators, if their crimes are proven, will be without leniency.”
What Happens Next
Iranian authorities are investigating the vessel. The ship’s identity could shape how the country involved would respond legally and diplomatically.
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