Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) seized two ships in the Persian Gulf carrying over one million liters of smuggled fuel, detaining 15 foreign crew members in a major anti-smuggling operation. The vessels were intercepted near Iranian waters on February 6, 2026, loaded with diesel fuel bound for black market networks amid global energy shortages.
Iranian state media reported the crew included nationals from multiple countries, accusing them of undermining Tehran's economy through illicit trade. The IRGC highlighted advanced tracking that thwarted the smuggling attempt, with the fuel valued at millions in subsidized pricing.
Regional maritime experts note rising fuel smuggling from Iran due to heavy subsidies creating profit incentives, despite naval patrols. Gulf neighbors welcomed the bust as cooperation against trafficking, while human rights groups called for fair treatment of detainees. Iran vows stricter enforcement as economic pressures mount.
