The United States has intercepted at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters. The operations took place near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, Reuters reports, citing sources in the shipping industry and security services.
US intercepts Iranian tankers
According to sources Reuters, The US military intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters. The operations took place near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka.
The intercepted vessels include the supertanker Deep Sea, the smaller vessel Sevin and the supertanker Dorena. The vessels were transporting large volumes of Iranian oil and were spotted off the coast of Malaysia and India.
The sea blockade and the energy crisis
Washington imposed a blockade of Iran's maritime trade after the escalation of the conflict and shelling of ships in the Strait of Hormuz. The closure of the strait led to disruptions in the supply of a fifth of the world's oil and gas reserves.
Global energy crisis has intensified due to ship delays and halted oil transportation. In recent days, US forces have detained another Iranian cargo ship and an oil tanker.
Actions of Iran and the United States
In response, Iran announced the detention of two vessels that were trying to leave the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz. According to official reports, fire was opened on these vessels - the first detentions since the beginning of the war.
CENTCOM reported on Wednesday that the supertanker Dorena is currently escorted by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after attempting to violate the blockade.
Prospects and further actions
The United States has already forced 31 vessels to turn around or return to port since the start of the blockade. However, the full list of intercepted vessels is not made public.
The US military plans to strike Iranian ships in open waters to avoid the risk of collision with floating mines near the Strait of Hormuz. Currently, there are no signs of resumption of peace talks between the US, Israel and Iran.
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