Iranian authorities have seized a foreign oil tanker carrying approximately 6 million liters of smuggled diesel fuel in the Sea of Oman, in what officials described as a major operation against organized fuel trafficking networks in the region.

Mojtaba Ghahramani, Head of the Judiciary in Iran’s southern Hormozgan Province, said the tanker was intercepted in Iranian territorial waters near the port city of Jask. The operation was carried out as part of ongoing efforts to combat large-scale fuel smuggling, which authorities say poses serious economic and security risks.

According to Ghahramani, the vessel was operating without valid maritime travel documents and lacked an official cargo manifest for the fuel it was transporting. He added that all navigation and auxiliary systems on board had been deliberately switched off, a tactic commonly associated with smuggling activities aimed at avoiding detection.

“The tanker was clearly engaged in illegal fuel trafficking,” Ghahramani said, noting that investigations are underway to identify the networks and individuals responsible for organizing the operation.

The seized vessel was carrying a crew of 18 foreign nationals, including citizens of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Judicial authorities confirmed that the crew members have been detained for questioning as part of the legal process.

Iran has repeatedly stated that it will take firm action against fuel smuggling in its territorial waters, particularly in strategic areas such as the Sea of Oman and the Persian Gulf, where illicit fuel trade has increased in recent years due to price differentials and regional instability.

Officials emphasized that the seizure reflects Iran’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime borders and cracking down on transnational smuggling networks operating in the region. (ILKHA)