US Destroys 5 Iranian Oil Tankers, 3 Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet, Ukrainian Official Says
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that on September 8, it destroyed five Iranian tankers in the Gulf, three of which were linked to Russia’s shadow fleet. This development comes as a response to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attempting to target a US Navy warship with ballistic missiles near Kharg Island.
The three tankers, Kaviz, Charminar, and Riesco, transported Russian oil and are connected to Fractal Marine DMCC, a firm sanctioned by Canada, Switzerland, the UK, and the US. These vessels facilitated ship-to-ship transfers within a network associated with Iranian oil trader Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who manages trade in both Russian and Iranian crude.
Ukraine’s Sanctions Commissioner Reveals Vessels’ Ties to Russia’s Shadow Fleet
According to Ukraine’s sanctions commissioner Vladyslav Vlasiuk, the tankers facilitated ship-to-ship transfers within a network associated with Iranian oil trader Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, who manages trade in both Russian and Iranian crude. This highlights the vessels’ involvement in evading Western restrictions while carrying about 75% of sanctioned Russian oil funding the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine.
CENTCOM Reports Strike as Response to Iran’s Provocation
CENTCOM reported that the strike responded to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attempting to target a Navy warship with ballistic missiles near Kharg Island. This action demonstrates the US military’s commitment to protecting its assets and interests in the region.
Russian Shadow Fleet: A Network of Aging Vessels
Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of more than 1,400 aging vessels, obscures ownership to bypass Western restrictions while carrying about 75% of sanctioned Russian oil funding the Kremlin’s war against Ukraine. This fleet plays a significant role in circumventing international sanctions and supporting Russia’s military efforts.
Conclusion
The US destruction of five Iranian tankers, three linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, serves as a clear message that the US will not tolerate provocations from Iran or its allies. As tensions continue to rise in the region, it is essential for nations to remain vigilant and take necessary measures to protect their interests and assets.
Original Article: US Destroys 5 Iranian Oil Tankers, 3 Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet, Ukrainian Official Says — Ground