Iran seizes foreign towboat, detains 12 Filipino crew

In recent months, Iran has increased its number of maritime patrols in the strategic strait at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, following raised tensions between Tehran and Washington.

Tehran:Iranian coast guard on Saturday seized a foreign towboat and its 12 Filipino crew members near the Strait of Hormuz, amid regional tensions.

Local media reported that the coast guard said the crew was smuggling nearly 280-thousand litres of fuel.

In recent months, Iran has increased its number of maritime patrols in the strategic strait at the mouth of the Persian Gulf, following raised tensions between Tehran and Washington.

The US Navy's Bahrain-based 5th Fleet did not immediately respond to a request for comment.