U.S. Central Command reports that it intercepted a sanctioned merchant vessel in the Arabian Sea, UNN reports citing Reuters.
Details
U.S. Central Command stated that on Saturday it intercepted a merchant vessel attempting to pass through an Iranian blockade.
According to the U.S. military, the vessel, identified as the "Sevan," was part of a "shadow fleet" of 19 vessels transporting Iranian oil and gas products to foreign markets.
Central Command stated it was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a U.S. Navy helicopter from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney and was "following U.S. military instructions to return to Iran under escort."
Addendum
The U.S. Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on "shadow fleet" vessels for activities related to the transportation of billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy, oil, and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets, Central Command reported.
According to the U.S. military, 37 ships have been "diverted" since the start of the blockade.