US military intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka and are rerouting them. This is reported by Reuters with reference to shipping and security sources, writes UNN.
Details
The vessels in question were in Asian waters and carrying Iranian oil. According to sources, they are being rerouted from their previous routes amid the US-imposed naval blockade of Iran.
Among those intercepted is the supertanker Deep Sea, partially loaded with oil, which was previously spotted off the coast of Malaysia. Also mentioned are the tanker Sevin, loaded to approximately 65% of its maximum capacity, and the supertanker Dorena, which was carrying about 2 million barrels of crude oil.
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According to the US Central Command, after interception, Dorena was escorted by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean.
In addition, according to sources, another tanker, Derya, may have been intercepted, which was unable to unload oil in India after the expiration of sanctions exemptions.
Situation in the region
The incidents are taking place against the backdrop of an escalation in the Strait of Hormuz region, where Iran is shelling vessels and claiming to seize them. On Wednesday, Tehran announced the detention of two container ships.
The closure or restriction of movement through the Strait of Hormuz has already affected global energy supplies, as about 20% of the world's oil and gas volumes previously passed through this route.
According to the US military, since the beginning of the blockade, they have already forced at least 29 vessels to change course or return to port.
Official comments on all intercepted vessels are currently limited.
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