Iranian authorities announced the seizure of a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, accusing it of smuggling two million liters of fuel. The announcement was made by the head of the judiciary in Iran’s southern Hormozgan province.
According to officials, the vessel was intercepted by Iranian forces in the strategic waterway as part of ongoing efforts to combat fuel smuggling operations in the region. The seized tanker was allegedly transporting the illicit cargo without proper documentation or authorization, reports the Student News Network (SNN).
Iran has repeatedly warned against illegal fuel trade in its territorial waters, particularly in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz — key maritime corridors for global oil transportation.
The identity of the vessel and the nationality of its crew were not immediately disclosed.
Judicial authorities confirmed that legal proceedings have begun and that those responsible for the smuggling will be held accountable under Iranian law. The seizure comes amid heightened maritime tensions and follows a pattern of previous fuel-smuggling crackdowns by Iranian naval forces.
