U.S. Seizes Iran-Linked Oil Tanker In Indian Ocean Amid Nuclear & Regional Shipping Tensions

The United States has seized an Iran-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean as part of its ongoing sanctions enforcement against Tehran, according to US officials.

The tanker, identified as Skywave, was intercepted overnight. The vessel had already been sanctioned by the US in March for allegedly transporting Iranian oil.

Washington continues to increase pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme and oil exports.

Ship tracking data showed the tanker sailing west of Malaysia on Tuesday after passing through the Strait of Malacca before it was seized.

Officials and shipping data suggest the vessel may have been carrying more than 1 million barrels of crude oil loaded from Iran’s Kharg Island in February.

It is not confirmed whether the oil was later unloaded in Asia. The ship was operating in an area known for ship-to-ship transfers often linked to sanctioned oil trade.

The seizure is at least the third time the US has taken action against Iran-linked “shadow fleet” tankers in the Indian Ocean. In April, US authorities also seized the Majestic X and Tifani.

The shadow fleet is made up of around 1,000 old and often uninsured tankers. These vessels are used to move sanctioned oil, mainly from Iran and Russia, to buyers including China and India using hidden ownership and ship-to-ship transfers.

US officials say the crackdown is part of efforts to stop Iran’s oil exports. In April, US military leadership said it would “actively pursue” Iranian-flagged ships or vessels supporting Iran.

US President Donald Trump said he was “an hour away” from ordering new military strikes on Iran but paused after requests from Gulf allies.

Trump also said there was a “very good chance” of a possible agreement with Iran and said he preferred a diplomatic solution if possible.

The US continues to apply sanctions pressure on Iran’s oil trade network, including action against Chinese refineries buying Iranian crude. The Pentagon did not immediately comment on the tanker seizure.

References: WSJ, Wionews