The US seized an oil tanker linked to Iran in the Indian Ocean amid President Donald Trump’s constant military strike threats, according to Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reports citing US officials.
The vessel, identified as ‘Skywave’, was detained overnight after being identified as part of a network involved in transporting sanctioned Iranian crude oil. The tanker had earlier been sanctioned by Washington in March. Tracking data showed the ship moving west of Malaysia after crossing the Strait of Malacca earlier this week. Intelligence reports and shipping data indicated that the tanker had likely loaded more than one million barrels of crude from Iran’s Kharg Island in February.
US Seizes Iranian-Linked Tanker
The seizure is part of a broader crackdown on what Washington describes as Iran’s shadow fleet, a network of nearly 1,000 ageing tankers accused of transporting Iranian and Russian oil in violation of international sanctions. Many of these shipments are reportedly destined for buyers in China and India.
US Military to Aggressively Pursue Vessels Aiding Iran’s Oil Trade
Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine had earlier announced that the US military would aggressively pursue vessels aiding Iran’s oil trade. “We will actively pursue any Iranian-flagged vessel or any vessel attempting to provide material support to Iran,” Caine stated in April.
Tensions Between Washington and Tehran Heighten
The seizure comes at a time of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran. Trump said on Tuesday that he had come close to authorising fresh military strikes on Iran but postponed a final decision after consultations with Gulf allies. The Pentagon didn’t respond to a WSJ’s request for comment.
US Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Chinese “Teapot” Refineries
In recent months, the US Treasury Department has also imposed sanctions on several Chinese “teapot” refineries accused of processing Iranian oil, while expanding economic measures aimed at reducing Beijing’s support for Tehran.
Original Article: US seizes Iran-linked ‘shadow fleet’ tanker in Indian Ocean amid Trump’s strike threats — Tribuneindia