Iranian Revolutionary Guard Intercepts UAE-Operated Tanker

The British maritime security company "Ambrey" announced on Monday that "the Iranian Revolutionary Guard intercepted a tanker carrying 1,500 tons of marine gas oil, flying the Togolese flag and operated by the UAE." They added that "the incident occurred yesterday, Sunday, 61 nautical miles southwest of the Iranian port of Bushehr." The company stated that "the incident is unlikely to have political motivations and has not been assessed as representing acts of war." Ambrey noted that "the interception was likely part of the smuggling combat efforts carried out by the Revolutionary Guard, given that the tanker’s commercial behavior was consistent with previous objectives of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard." Fuel prices in Iran are among the lowest in the world due to significant subsidies and the devaluation of the local currency; however, the country struggles with widespread fuel smuggling across land borders to neighboring countries and by sea to Gulf states.