The U.S. intercepted a vessel belonging to Iran’s “shadow fleet” in the Arabian Sea
The United States intercepted a vessel in the Arabian Sea that belongs to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” and was attempting to transport energy resources in circumvention of sanctions.
This was reported by Reuters.
The vessel in question is the Sevan, part of a group of 19 ships transporting Iranian oil and gas products to foreign markets.
According to the U.S. military, the operation was carried out by U.S. Navy forces from the destroyer USS Pinckney. The vessel was intercepted by a helicopter, after which it was ordered to change course and return toward Iran under the escort of U.S. forces.
U.S. Central Command noted that such vessels are subject to U.S. Treasury Department sanctions for their involvement in the illegal transport of energy resources, specifically propane and butane, worth billions of dollars.
It is also reported that since the maritime restrictions took effect, at least 37 vessels have been forced to change course.
According to data from the Vesselfinder portal, as well as another similar service, Marinetraffic, the 142-meter superyacht Nord, owned by Alexei Mordashov of the Russian company Severstal, departed from Dubai on April 24 and is heading to Oman. The vessel crossed the Strait of Hormuz without incident.
As a reminder, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the Strait of Hormuz will remain blocked to Iranian exports until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached.
