According to Reuters sources in the shipping industry and security services, U.S. military forces have successfully intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, changing their course away from the coasts of India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka.
U.S. military forces have intercepted at least three tankers flying the Iranian flag in Asian waters. These vessels were diverted from their positions near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, according to Reuters sources in the shipping industry and security services.
Washington has imposed a strict blockade on Iran's maritime trade, while Iran, in turn, has fired upon vessels to prevent their passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. It is noted that nearly two months after the conflict began between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, there are no signs of renewed peace talks amid an uncertain ceasefire.
The closure of the strait has led to significant disruptions in the supply of one-fifth of the world's oil and gas reserves, triggering a global energy crisis. In recent days, U.S. forces have already detained an Iranian cargo ship and an oil tanker.
Iran, for its part, announced the detention of two vessels on Wednesday that were attempting to leave the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz after gunfire was opened on them and another ship. This marked the first detentions since the war began.
Intercepted Vessels
According to two American and Indian sources in the shipping industry, as well as two separate Western sources on maritime security, the U.S. has intercepted at least three more oil tankers flying the Iranian flag in recent days.
One of these vessels was the supertanker Deep Sea, flying the Iranian flag and partially loaded with oil. Its last public transponder tracking was recorded off the coast of Malaysia a week ago.
A smaller vessel, Sevin, flying the Iranian flag and capable of carrying up to 1 million barrels, was also intercepted while carrying 65% of its cargo. Tracking data showed that this vessel was last spotted off the coast of Malaysia a month ago.
Among the intercepted vessels was also the supertanker Dorena, flying the Iranian flag and fully loaded with 2 million barrels of oil. Its last location was recorded off the southern coast of India three days ago.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Wednesday that the Dorena is being escorted by a U.S. Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean. This occurred after the tanker attempted to breach the blockade.
According to Reuters sources in the shipping industry, U.S. forces likely also intercepted the tanker Derya, flying the Iranian flag. The vessel did not manage to unload Iranian oil in India before the expiration of the U.S. exemption for purchasing Iranian oil on Sunday.
According to MarineTraffic, this vessel was last spotted off the western coast of India on Friday.
CENTCOM Actions
U.S. Central Command stated on Wednesday that since the start of the blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, U.S. military forces have forced 31 vessels to turn around or return to port.
The U.S. military has not published a complete list of intercepted vessels and has not provided operational comments to Reuters regarding the Derya and Deep Sea vessels.
A third Reuters source on maritime security reported that U.S. military forces plan to strike Iranian ships in open waters, away from the Strait of Hormuz. This is being done to avoid the risk of collision with floating mines during operations.
