Iran Seizes Oil Tankers Citing Smuggling Claims

Iran has seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, accusing them of fuel smuggling. The vessels, carrying around 1 million litres of fuel, were taken near Farsi Island and moved to Bushehr. The crew members are in judicial custody, with their nationalities unspecified.

In a dramatic development, Iran has seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf, alleging that the ships were involved in smuggling fuel, according to state television. The incident underscores rising tensions in the region, as Iran plays its hand in contentious maritime operations.

The tankers, reportedly carrying about 1 million litres of fuel, were intercepted near Farsi Island and subsequently transferred to Bushehr. Fifteen crew members are under judicial custody, as the nationality of the vessels and those on board remain undisclosed.

This is not an isolated event; similar seizures by Iran continue to punctuate regional waters. December saw another tanker detained in the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran has previously garnered blame for various maritime attacks. These actions trace back to the aftermath of the U.S.'s withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal.

(With inputs from agencies.)