Iran Seizes Ship with 'Smuggled Fuel'

Iran’s state media reported that the Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) seized a vessel, claiming it was smuggling 350,000 litres of fuel.

The ship, which was flying the flag of Eswatini, was escorted to the port of Bushehr in southwestern Iran.

A local IRGC commander stated that the ship had 13 crew members aboard, identifying them as nationals from India and a neighbouring country that was not named.

Iran seizes Eswatini-flagged vessel with smuggled fuel | The Jerusalem Post — Iran seizes a ship with ‘smuggled fuel.’ Credit: The Jerusalem Post

However, the government of Eswatini immediately denied any involvement, asserting that it has no ships currently authorised to fly its flag and strongly rejected any link between the country and illegal maritime activity.

This seizure is part of a pattern of action by Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping choke point, where they frequently intercept tankers accused of illegally transporting fuel.

The report follows a similar incident earlier this month when the IRGC confirmed the seizure of the Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Talara over accusations of illegally moving Iranian petrochemical products.

Iran maintains that these actions are local matters concerning smuggling and are not directed against any other nation.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.