Gulf tensions deepen as Iran seizes foreign tanker, accuses crew of smuggling | IOL News

Dubai - Iran said on Thursday it had seized a foreign tanker smuggling fuel in the Gulf, and the US military commander in the region said the United States would work "aggressively" to ensure free passage of vessels through the vital waterway.

The Guards said impounded the ship was smuggling one million litres of fuel in the area of Larak Island in the Gulf and had 12 foreign crew. An employee at Mouj al-Bahar said that the firm did not own it but had been managing the vessel up to two months ago, and that it was now under the management of a company called KRB Petrochem. Reuters could not reach KRB Petrochem for comment.The Revolutionary Guards said in Thursday's statement they had seized no other ship in the Gulf, as Western countries expressed concerns over alleged Iranian actions in the region.

The Islamic Republic says it will continue to reduce compliance with the accord until it is allowed to resume normal oil sales, and has demanded European parties to the nuclear deal rein in the United States. The United States has beefed up its military presence and is asking allies to help protect the strategic waters off Iran and Yemen. The U.S. Fifth Fleet, based in Bahrain, says Gulf Arab states have stepped up patrols.

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