WASHIINGTON: The United States has reportedly intercepted multiple Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters, intensifying pressure on Tehran as regional tensions remain high.
According to shipping and security sources, at least three vessels were diverted by US forces from areas near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The move comes as part of broader efforts by Washington to enforce restrictions on Iran’s maritime oil trade.
The developments follow an ongoing standoff in and around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that handles a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies. Disruptions in the area have already contributed to volatility in global energy markets.
Among the vessels reportedly intercepted were the Iranian supertankers Deep Sea and Dorena, along with the smaller tanker Sevin. Sources indicate that some of these ships were carrying substantial crude oil cargo when they were stopped or redirected.
Another vessel, Derya, may also have been targeted after failing to offload its cargo before a US waiver on Iranian oil imports expired.
The United States Central Command confirmed that one of the tankers was being escorted by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after allegedly breaching blockade conditions.
Meanwhile, Iran has responded with its own actions at sea, including the reported seizure of commercial vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz. These incidents mark a further escalation in the maritime dimension of the conflict.
With both sides increasing enforcement measures and no clear progress in diplomatic efforts, concerns are growing over the potential for prolonged disruption to global energy supplies and shipping routes.
