According to a statement from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the IRGC Navy intercepted three oil tankers violating maritime regulations in the Persian Gulf on January 13. The vessels were found operating illegally in the area, breaching Iran's maritime laws.
Major General Hossein Salami, commander of the IRGC, confirmed that naval forces conducted a timely inspection and interdiction operation. He stated that the three oil tankers were attempting to transport oil illegally out of the region but were detected by IRGC forces and forced to halt in accordance with legal regulations.
The tankers are currently under the control of the IRGC Navy for investigation. Details regarding the identity of the vessel owners, the volume of oil transported, and specific itineraries have not been publicly disclosed. The incident occurs amid rising tensions in the Persian Gulf region, where Iran routinely warns against illegal maritime activities.
This is not the first time the IRGC has intercepted violating oil tankers. In December 2024, the force stopped another oil tanker suspected of smuggling fuel abroad. These moves underscore Iran's commitment to protecting its sovereignty and maritime security.
