Iran Seizes Two Foreign Oil Tankers In Persian Gulf Over Alleged Smuggling

TEHRAN / BUSHEHR — In a move that escalates maritime tensions in the Middle East, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) announced on Thursday, February 5, 2026, that it had seized two foreign oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. According to state television, the vessels were intercepted for allegedly smuggling fuel, a charge Tehran frequently levels against foreign shipping in the strategic waterway.

1. The Seizure: 1 Million Liters Confiscated

The operation was led by Gen. Heidar Honarian Mojarrad, a regional commander within the IRGC’s naval wing.

• The Location: The tankers were intercepted near Farsi Island, a strategic outpost in the central Persian Gulf.
• The Cargo: The vessels were reportedly carrying approximately 1 million liters (roughly 6,300 barrels) of diesel and other fuels.
• Current Status: Both ships have been towed to the port of Bushehr for judicial processing.

2. Detention of Crew Members

Details regarding the ships’ origins and the identity of those on board remain scarce.

• Custody: Fifteen crew members have been taken into the custody of judicial bodies.
• Nationalities: Iranian authorities have notably withheld the nationalities of the crew members and the flags under which the tankers were sailing.
• Legal Context: Under Iranian law, fuel smuggling is treated as a major economic crime, often resulting in heavy fines and the permanent confiscation of the vessel.

3. Rising Maritime Instability

This incident is part of a series of aggressive maritime maneuvers by Tehran in late 2025 and early 2026.

• Recent Timeline: In December 2025, Iran seized a foreign tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, detaining 16 crew. A similar seizure occurred in November 2025.
• Historical Context: Tensions in these waters have been volatile since the 2018 U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear deal. Past incidents include limpet mine attacks in 2019 and a fatal drone strike on an Israeli-linked tanker in 2021.

4. Impact on Global Energy Markets

The seizure occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, a chokepoint through which 20% of the world’s oil supply passes.