Iranian Forces Seize Oil Tankers Suspected of Fuel Smuggling

Iran's Tasnim News Agency reported on Thursday, October 5, that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps seized two oil tankers near Farsi Island in the Persian Gulf, suspected of smuggling fuel. According to Ming Pao, over one million liters of fuel were confiscated from the vessels, and 15 foreign crew members were detained and handed over to judicial authorities. The report did not disclose the nationality of the ships or the detained crew members. The Revolutionary Guard's navy has intensified efforts against smuggling through reconnaissance, interception, and intelligence operations in recent months. Reuters noted that Iran's low fuel retail prices make smuggling particularly lucrative.