Credits: Al Jazeera
Iran’s maritime authorities have seized the Togo-flagged tanker Pearl G in the Gulf, according to a report by Tehran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency. The vessel, owned by an Iraqi national residing in the UAE, was found to be carrying approximately 700,000 liters of smuggled Iranian crude oil. The tanker has since been relocated to the port of Bandar Imam Khomeini.
The seizure of the Pearl G highlights ongoing efforts by Iran to combat smuggling, a significant issue due to the country’s heavily subsidized fuel and a devalued currency. Smuggling operations frequently involve transporting Iranian oil to neighboring states and Gulf Arab countries, exploiting the price differential.
Tracking data from LSEG indicates that the Pearl G had been operating between Sharjah in the UAE and offshore locations near Iraq for the past 90 days. The vessel, which has a crew of nine Indians, was apprehended under a judicial order, as per Tasnim’s report. Its registered manager, Jinsung Marine Service Co Ltd, is listed in LSEG’s database.
This incident follows a recent similar action by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which seized another Togo-flagged tanker carrying 1,500 tons of marine gas oil. These actions reflect Tehran’s broader strategy to curb illegal oil exports and enforce maritime regulations amid ongoing economic pressures.
The Pearl G seizure is a significant development in the region’s maritime security landscape, underscoring the persistent challenges and geopolitical complexities surrounding the smuggling of Iranian oil. The broader implications of these actions could influence regional oil markets and diplomatic relations within the Gulf and beyond.