US Forces Board Iran-Linked Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean Amid Tensions
US forces board Iran-linked oil tanker between Sri Lanka and Indonesia in Indian Ocean, says Pentagon
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
The US Department of Defense announced that its forces boarded the M/T Tifani, an oil tanker linked to Iran, in the Indian Ocean while it was transporting oil between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. This action is part of the US's broader strategy to disrupt Iranian supply networks amid ongoing tensions between the US and Iran.
- 01US forces boarded the M/T Tifani, an oil tanker previously sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil.
- 02The Pentagon described the vessel as 'stateless' despite it being flagged by Botswana.
- 03This operation is part of a US blockade aimed at preventing support to Iran amid ongoing tensions.
- 04The US military plans to extend its maritime enforcement efforts beyond Iranian waters.
- 05General Dan Caine emphasized that international waters will not be a safe haven for sanctioned vessels.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The US Department of Defense confirmed that its forces boarded the M/T Tifani, an oil tanker linked to Iran, in the Indian Ocean while it was transporting oil between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. The Pentagon labeled the vessel as 'stateless,' despite its Botswana flag, and stated that this operation was conducted without incident. This action aligns with the US's ongoing blockade of Iranian ports, which has expanded to include all Iranian-flagged ships and vessels suspected of supporting Iran. The Pentagon reiterated its commitment to disrupting illicit networks and interdicting vessels providing material support to Iran, asserting that international waters will not serve as a refuge for sanctioned vessels. The announcement coincides with the expiration of a fragile ceasefire between the US and Iran, as diplomatic efforts are made to broker talks between the two nations. General Dan Caine, the US chairman of Joint Chiefs of Staff, indicated that the blockade would extend beyond Iranian waters, targeting vessels in the Pacific and elsewhere that may have departed prior to the blockade's implementation.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This action may affect global oil supply routes and increase tensions in the region, potentially impacting oil prices and international shipping.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Is the US blockade of Iranian ports and ships justified?
Connecting to poll...
More about US Department of Defense
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




