iPhone 18s Marketed as 'War Booty' in Tehran After Shipwreck
Following a recent shipwreck near the Strait of Hormuz, iPhone 18s are being sold in Tehran at suspiciously low prices, labeled as 'war booty'.
iPhone 18 smartphones advertised in Tehran at low prices after a cargo ship sank.
Iran's cyber police warn buyers to be cautious of potential scams.
The incident highlights rising maritime tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
In Tehran, advertisements for Apple's iPhone 18 have emerged, being sold at significantly reduced prices and referred to as 'war booty'. This unusual marketing follows the sinking of a cargo ship near the Strait of Hormuz on October 13, which reportedly led to the recovery of these devices from the sea. Videos on social media depict shipping containers floating in the water, with individuals in small boats collecting scattered goods, including iPhones and luxury perfumes.
The incident has drawn attention across the Arab world, with reports indicating that some boats were seen transporting boxes of iPhones, allegedly the latest models. However, the identities of those retrieving the items remain unknown, and there has been no official confirmation regarding the shipwreck or the recovery of the phones.
Iran's cyber police have issued warnings to potential buyers, advising them against making advance payments or deposits before verifying the products and the sellers' credentials. Officials have expressed concerns that scammers may take advantage of the situation, using the allure of low prices to deceive unsuspecting customers into purchasing non-existent products.
This development occurs amidst heightened maritime tensions in West Asia, where commercial vessels have faced increasing threats around the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of Iran has reported that an 'illegal supertanker' was damaged by a sea mine while navigating the strait, leading to an explosion and significant fire.
In a related incident, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported that two vessels were struck while transiting the Persian Gulf near Saudi Arabia, although their crews were reported safe. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has reiterated that the US will maintain its blockade of Iranian maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, amid ongoing negotiations and growing security concerns in the region.
