Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seize two oil tankers in the Gulf, crew detained

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two oil tankers in the Gulf, accusing them of fuel smuggling, according to international news agencies.

The tankers, which were carrying foreign crews, were taken into custody on suspicion of smuggling fuel.

However, officials have not yet disclosed the flags the vessels were sailing under or the nationalities of the crew members.

Iranian media reported that more than one million litres of smuggled fuel were recovered from the two ships.

A total of 15 foreign crew members have been handed over to authorities for legal proceedings.

According to the reports, the IRGC intercepted the tankers near Iran’s Farsi Island in the Gulf.

In a statement, the Revolutionary Guards said the vessels had been involved in smuggling activities for several months and were stopped following surveillance, intelligence gathering and maritime operations.

Iran has previously taken similar action in the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels it accuses of involvement in illegal fuel trade.

Iran’s fuel prices are among the lowest in the world, making fuel smuggling to neighbouring countries a lucrative business, news agencies added.