India seizes 3 Iranian-linked US sanctioned tankers
The Indian authorities have seized three U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers linked to Iran this month, in a move aimed at stopping illicit trade in its maritime zone. The seizures are part of increased surveillance efforts by India to prevent the use of its waters as a conduit for transfers of oil from ship to ship, which would obscure the origins of cargoes.
Vessels Stocked Offshore of Mumbai
The three sanctioned ships – Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia — frequently change their identities in order to avoid law enforcement by coastal states. The National Iranian Oil Company has denied any connection with the tankers or their cargoes, stating that neither the ships nor the cargoes are connected to it.
According to sources, the Indian authorities intercepted the three vessels around 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai on February 6 after detecting suspicious activities involving a fuel tanker in India‘s exclusive economic zones. The destination for further investigation was reportedly Mumbai.
Surveillance Efforts Intensify
The Indian Coast Guard has deployed between 10 and 12 planes and 55 ships for round-the-clock surveillance of its maritime zones. This increased vigilance is a result of improved relations between the United States and India, with Washington announcing earlier this month that it would reduce import tariffs on Indian goods from 50% to 18% after New Delhi agreed not to import Russian oil.
Sanctioned Vessels’ History
The US Office of Foreign Asset Control (OFAC) announced last year that it sanctioned three ships – Global Peace, Chil 1, and Glory Star 1 – with IMO numbers identical to the ships recently captured by India. According to LSEG, two of the three tankers are associated with Iran. Al Jafzia carried fuel oil from Iran into Djibouti in 2025, while Stellar Ruby was flagged in Iran. Data shows that Asphalt Star mainly operated around China.
The risk involved in trading sanctioned fuel and oil often leads to deep discounts, making it more challenging for enforcement agencies to track the movement of these cargoes. Intermediaries move cargo through complex ownership structures, falsified documentation, and mid-sea transfers that complicate enforcement efforts.
Original Article: Source: India seizes 3 Iranian-linked US sanctioned tankers — Marinelink