Iran: Two tankers detained on suspicion of oil smuggling

On March 31, two tankers were detained in Gulf waters on suspicion of oil smuggling – agencies associated with the Government of Iran and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) informed about the failure to act. Both units were diverted to the Iranian port, their crew – a total of 25 sailors – were detained. Although reports mention "oil smuggling", the Iranian authorities specify that it was 3 million litres of diesel to be illegally exported from the country.

Star 1 and Vintage tankers stop: details of IRGC operations

The Tasnim Agency, citing representatives of the Iranian IRGC, reported that the operation was carried out in the waters of the central Gulf. Units names have been disclosed – Star 1 and Vintage – some Western media indicate that one of the tankers may be owned by entities associated with the United Arab Emirates. Iranian sources also stress that the scale of the smuggling was to be greater than in the previously revealed cases where smaller units or loads were captured.

Authorities Iran fortressthat the vessels detained are part of an organised fuel smuggling network and illegal exports of energy resources from Iran. Some 3 million litres of diesel were to be on board. Tankers have been towed to the terminal in the port of Bushehr, where, under a court order, it is to passCargo raw material.

According to Iran's agency, the identification of tankers was possible thanks to the reconnaissance and operational monitoring operations conducted in the area of Bushehr port.

Threats to close the Ormuz Strait and new cargo from China: escalation of tensions around Iran

The event falls within the broader context of increasing tensions in the Gulf region. Iran's authorities recently rejected a letter from Donald Trump, in which the former U.S. President demanded talks about Iran's nuclear program, while threatening "serious consequences", including the possible use of long-range bombers.

Rear Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, Naval Commander Guard Corps The Islamic Revolution (IRGC), announced a decisive response in the event of an attack on Iran. As he emphasized on Saturday, if he receives an order, IRGC forces are ready to immediately close the Strait of Ormuz – a key oil transport route.

It is also worth noting that the second of the two commercial vessels on board which were the components used for the production of rocket fuel took place in Iran on 29 March. The cargo came from China. According to media reports, after processing, this raw material can be used to produce a solid fuel sufficient to weaponize approximately 250 medium to short range rockets.

Source: Tasnim/MD

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