The US military conducted operations to intercept and force at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers to change course in waters near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka after maritime blockade measures began causing widespread effects amid a global energy crisis stemming from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Security and shipping industry sources revealed that the US military intervened to intercept at least three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters, compelling them to divert from their original positions near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka as part of an international maritime trade blockade against Iran.
Satellite data and maritime security sources indicate the detained vessels include the "Deep Sea," a very large crude carrier last detected off the coast of Malaysia last week; the "Sevin," a medium-sized tanker carrying approximately 65% capacity, or about one million barrels of oil; and the "Dorena," a very large crude carrier fully loaded with two million barrels of crude oil.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed these vessels are currently under control of the US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after attempting to breach the blockade measures.
Additionally, reports indicate that the tanker "Derya" may also have been intercepted after failing to offload crude oil in India before the US’s easing deadline last Sunday.
This operation occurs amid the nearly two-month-long conflict between the US-Israel coalition and Iran, with Iran retaliating by attacking and seizing cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes, causing a global energy crisis.
Sources noted that the US military chose to conduct interceptions in open waters far from the Strait of Hormuz to avoid risks from mines Iran may have placed along its coastline. Since the blockade began, the US has ordered more than 29 vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports to turn back or return to shore.