Barran Press
A British maritime security firm, "Ambrey," reported on Monday, July 21, 2024, that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard intercepted a Togo-flagged tanker, managed by the United Arab Emirates, carrying 1,500 tons of marine gas oil.
According to Reuters, Ambrey stated that the tanker, loaded with marine gas oil off the coast of Iraq, was en route to Sharjah in the UAE when it was intercepted on Sunday, 61 nautical miles southwest of Iran's Bushehr port.
The British firm emphasized that the incident was unlikely to have political motives and was not assessed as an "act of war."
Ambrey revealed that a crew member contacted the ship's owner, explaining that armed members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard boarded the vessel. The owner reported a temporary communication disruption during the seizure.
The company alleged that the Revolutionary Guard intended to seize the 1,500 tons of marine gas oil and detain the crew.
Ambrey attributed the interception to the Revolutionary Guard's anti-smuggling efforts, citing the tanker's "commercial behavior" as consistent with previous targets of the Iranian force.
Iran boasts some of the world's lowest fuel prices due to extensive subsidies and a depreciated currency. However, the country struggles with widespread fuel smuggling by land to neighboring countries and by sea to Gulf states, according to the agency.
The British company did not provide further details regarding the fate of the tanker.