US forces intercept sanctioned tanker in Arabian Sea

The US Navy has intercepted the tanker Sevan in the Arabian Sea, a vessel subject to sanctions over its alleged involvement in transporting Iranian energy products, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

The agency said the ship was part of a “shadow fleet” of 19 vessels that were sanctioned a day earlier by the US Department of the Treasury. The tanker is linked to the transport of Iranian oil and gas products worth billions of dollars, including propane and butane.

On April 25, US forces deployed a helicopter to intercept the vessel. The crew complied with instructions and the ship, under escort, was directed back toward Iran.

CENTCOM stated that the Sevan had previously carried Iranian cargo and was spotted approaching the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel is owned by Anka Energy & Logistics Co., a company based in Dubai.

By Jeyhun Aghazada