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Iran Seizes Foreign Tanker in Gulf of Oman Over Alleged Smuggled Diesel

Officials present the impoundment as routine anti‑smuggling enforcement in waters they control.

Overview

  • Provincial judiciary officials say the tanker was intercepted and inspected off Jask on December 12, then impounded with 18 crew detained.
  • Iranian authorities allege the vessel carried about six million litres of diesel while operating with radar and other navigation systems turned off.
  • An official said the ship lacked proper cargo and navigational documents, attempted to flee, and crew damaged equipment during the boarding.
  • State-linked outlets report the crew are being questioned and are nationals of India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
  • No name or flag for the vessel has been disclosed, and the seizure comes days after a U.S. operation against an Iran-linked tanker off Venezuela, underscoring recurring interdictions in the region.