Tehran: President Masoud Pezeshkian says efforts to combat fuel smuggling will only be effective if authorities target the origins and main sources of the illicit trade, rather than small-scale operators. Speaking at a meeting in Tehran on Monday, Pezeshkian warned that confronting minor players not only fails to solve the problem but could also fuel social tensions.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Pezeshkian stressed the need for firm action against primary actors and ringleaders, regardless of their affiliations. He added that stricter measures should be taken against those within the system who facilitate the diversion of fuel from the official distribution network.