The United States military has detained at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters, redirecting them from positions near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. The information was reported by Reuters on Wednesday, citing maritime and security sources. The seizures come as Washington continues to enforce sanctions on Iran’s maritime trade.
The report notes that Iran has fired on vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route at the entrance to the Persian Gulf. Despite a declared ceasefire nearly two months after the outbreak of conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran, there are no visible signs of renewed peace talks. The closure of the strait has disrupted one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, triggering a worldwide energy crisis.
In recent days, US forces have also seized an Iranian cargo ship and an oil tanker, while Iran claimed to have captured three vessels attempting to leave the Persian Gulf. The US Central Command has not yet commented on the latest tanker detentions.