Iranian authorities say they have intercepted and seized a cargo vessel flying the flag of Eswatini that was carrying a large quantity of smuggled fuel through the Persian Gulf, in one of the region’s most high-profile maritime enforcement actions in recent months.
The operation, conducted by units of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, culminated in the vessel being escorted to Iran’s southern port city of Bushehr after the crew and cargo were taken into custody under a judicial order issued by Iranian authorities.
Large Quantities of Contraband Fuel
According to Iranian statements cited by international news agencies, the vessel was carrying approximately 350,000 liters of smuggled fuel, primarily gas oil — a type commonly used for industrial and transport purposes. The fuel was removed from the vessel and is being transferred to a local oil and gas company under Iranian supervision.
Iran claims that 13 crew members were aboard during the seizure, most of whom were reported to be Indian nationals, along with at least one crew member from a neighboring country. All were detained as part of the ongoing investigation into the alleged smuggling operation.
Tehran’s Stance and Enforcement Rationale
Iran has framed the seizure as part of a broader effort to combat widespread fuel smuggling along its maritime borders — an issue Tehran says drains domestic resources due to the country’s heavily subsidized fuel prices. Smuggling networks have long exploited the price differences between Iran and its neighbors by transporting subsidized fuel to other markets for profit. _SABC NEWS
A senior IRGC naval commander emphasized that the operation was aimed at safeguarding Iran’s economic interests and national security, stressing that Iran will continue to pursue illegal trafficking at sea. The vessel’s cargo was offloaded under a court directive, after which part of it is to be handed over to the National Iranian Oil Refining and Distribution Company.
Eswatini Government Denies Official Connection
In a swift response, the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini issued a statement denying that it had any formal link to the vessel or its registration. Eswatini officials clarified that the country does not maintain an active ship registry, nor has it authorized any authority to register or manage vessels on its behalf. They described the use of the nation’s flag on the vessel as “unauthorized” and “illegal.”
Eswatini’s public works ministry condemned the incident as a misrepresentation and urged maritime authorities and international partners to investigate the improper use of the country’s flag, which could harm Eswatini’s international reputation and commercial interests.
Regional Context and Reactions
The seizure comes amid intensified Iranian naval enforcement in the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, as Tehran seeks to clamp down on fuel smuggling networks that have expanded in recent years. Analysts say such operations serve both economic and strategic purposes — protecting subsidized fuel supplies and asserting Iran’s control over critical maritime routes.
So far, there has been no immediate public reaction from international governments regarding the seizure, and it remains unclear whether diplomatic channels will be used to address the incident or the broader question of improper vessel registration.
What Happens Next
Iranian judicial authorities continue to investigate the origins and ownership of the vessel and the smuggling network it was allegedly part of. The detained crew members are expected to face questioning as part of the inquiry, while international maritime organizations are watching closely for developments. (Vozafricano)
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