Washington: The United States military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters and redirected them away from positions near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, according to shipping and security sources. The move comes as Washington intensifies its maritime blockade on Iran during the ongoing conflict.
Details of tanker interceptions
According to sources, US forces recently diverted multiple vessels, including the supertanker Deep Sea, which carried a partial crude load and was last tracked off Malaysia’s coast. Similarly, the tanker Sevin, operating at around 65 percent capacity, was intercepted after being spotted in the same region weeks earlier.
Furthermore, authorities intercepted the fully loaded supertanker Dorena, carrying nearly 2 million barrels of crude, near southern India. US Central Command confirmed that a Navy destroyer escorted the vessel in the Indian Ocean after it allegedly attempted to breach the blockade. Reports also suggested that forces may have intercepted another tanker, Derya, which had failed to unload cargo in India before a sanctions waiver expired.
Rising tensions and broader impact
Meanwhile, the interceptions follow a broader escalation at sea, as Iran reportedly seized two container ships attempting to exit the Gulf after opening fire on them. This marked Tehran’s first such action since the conflict began.
In addition, the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, worsening an ongoing energy crisis. US officials stated that forces have redirected at least 29 vessels since enforcing the blockade.
Moreover, security sources indicated that US operations increasingly target ships in open waters to reduce risks associated with naval mines.
