Iraq Accuses Iran Of Using Forged Iraqi Documents On Oil Tankers

Iraqi Oil Minister Hayan Abdel Ghani announced that Iranian oil tankers detained by US forces in the Gulf were using falsified Iraqi documents.

Abdel-Ghani stated on state television that verbal inquiries were received regarding oil tankers detained by US naval forces carrying Iraqi shipping manifests.

Upon investigation, it was determined that these vessels were Iranian, using forged Iraqi documentation.

The minister stated that Iraq had transparently communicated these findings to the relevant authorities, who confirmed the information.

In response, Iran’s oil ministry denied the allegations, attributing them to US officials and dismissing them as baseless. The ministry said that such claims lack credibility.

Iran has also been accused of employing complex networks and deceptive practices to bypass international sanctions. Per reports, a sophisticated fuel oil smuggling network, generating at least $1 billion annually, has been operating in Iraq.

This network exploits government policies that allocate subsidised fuel oil to asphalt plants, diverting substantial quantities for export, mainly to Asia.

The operation involves entities and individuals across Iraq, Iran and the Gulf states, benefiting Iran by circumventing US sanctions and supporting Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

However, the Iraqi government has consistently denied involvement in purchasing or re-exporting Iranian crude oil, claiming that its export operations are conducted under strict controls and in compliance with international regulations.

Abdel-Ghani stated that the State Oil Marketing Organisation (SOMO) sells crude exclusively to companies owning refineries and does not supply trading firms.

He reiterated the organisation’s commitment to transparency and denied any wrongdoing in the oil export process.

Ghani has also announced initiatives to enhance transparency in Iraq’s oil sector, including satellite tracking of all oil tankers, mandatory contracts specifying final export destinations, and public monthly reports on export volumes and revenues.

These measures will help prevent fraudulent activities and ensure adherence to international standards.

References: Reuters, OilPrice

Source: Maritime Shipping News