Iran seizes two Tanzanian-flagged ships for fuel smuggling

Published April 22nd, 2025 - 03:58 GMT
Iran seizes two Tanzanian-flagged ships for fuel smuggling
A picture obtained by AFP from the Iranian news agency Tasnim on January 4, 2021, shows the South Korean-flagged tanker being escorted by Iran's Revolutionary Guards navy after being seized in the Gulf. AFP
Highlights
This is the latest in a series of anti-smuggling operations by Iranian forces. Just last month, on March 31, the IRGC captured two foreign oil tankers—Star 1 and Winteng—claiming they were transporting over three million liters of illegal diesel

ALBAWABA- Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has seized two Tanzanian-flagged ships in the southern province of Bushehr, accusing them of smuggling fuel in the Persian Gulf, according to state-affiliated Fars News Agency. 

The IRGC's Second Naval District confirmed that 25 crew members were detained and the vessels towed to Bushehr by court order to offload the smuggled diesel.

This is the latest in a series of anti-smuggling operations by Iranian forces. Just last month, on March 31, the IRGC captured two foreign oil tankers—Star 1 and Winteng—claiming they were transporting over three million liters of illegal diesel in Gulf waters.

These developments come amid heightened regional tensions and as Iran signals increased military readiness in response to perceived threats. 

At the same time, diplomatic talks over Iran’s nuclear program, mediated by Oman between Tehran and Washington, are reportedly progressing in a “positive atmosphere,” despite the backdrop of escalating maritime incidents.

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