US Intercepts Iranian Oil Tankers in Asian Waters Amid Rising Gulf Tensions

The United States military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters and redirected them away from locations near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, according to shipping and security sources on Wednesday.

The move comes as Washington continues to enforce a maritime blockade on Iran’s trade, while Tehran has taken countermeasures, including firing on vessels to prevent passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Nearly two months after the outbreak of conflict involving the US and Israel against Iran, prospects for renewed peace talks remain uncertain despite a fragile ceasefire.

The ongoing disruption has significantly impacted global energy markets. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes—has triggered a global energy crisis. In recent days, US forces have seized an Iranian cargo vessel and an oil tanker, while Iran reported capturing two container ships attempting to exit the الخليج via the strait.

Sources told Reuters that at least three additional Iranian-flagged tankers were diverted by US forces in recent days. Among them was the supertanker Deep Sea, partially loaded with crude oil and last tracked off Malaysia’s coast about a week ago.

Another vessel, the Sevin, with a maximum capacity of one million barrels and carrying about 65% of its load, was also intercepted. Ship tracking data indicated it was last seen near Malaysia approximately a month ago.

The fully loaded supertanker Dorena, carrying around two million barrels of crude, was also among those intercepted. It was last tracked off the southern coast of India three days ago. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed on social media that the Dorena is currently being escorted by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after allegedly attempting to violate the blockade.

Additionally, shipping sources indicated that the Iranian-flagged tanker Derya may have been intercepted after failing to unload its cargo in India before a US waiver on Iranian oil imports expired. The vessel was last recorded off India’s western coast.

CENTCOM stated that since the enforcement of the blockade, US forces have directed at least 29 vessels to alter course or return to port. However, the US military has not publicly confirmed the full list of intercepted ships and did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding specific vessels.

A maritime security source noted that US forces appear to be targeting Iranian vessels in open waters rather than near the Strait of Hormuz, likely to reduce risks associated with floating mines during operations.

The developments underscore escalating tensions in the region and raise concerns over further disruptions to global shipping and energy supplies.