The U.S. is preparing to seize Iranian crude oil worth $600 million from three tankers that were recently stopped by its forces during the economic blockade against Iran. According to tracking information, these tankers are on their way to the United States.
Details of the Cargo and Tankers
According to information received from reliable sources, two large tankers named Tifani (IMO 9273337) and Majestic X (IMO 9198317), which were stopped under claims of fraudulent registration in countries such as Botswana and Guyana, are heading towards the United States. These tankers are collectively carrying about six million barrels of Iranian crude oil, valued at approximately $600 million.
Read more: New tanker cargo has set off for its designated destination on a specified date
Legal Developments and Seizure Claims
The Pentagon has announced that these tankers were stopped under the right of inspection, and the Department of Homeland Security has also conducted investigations on them. Currently, the United States is seeking to issue seizure orders for these tankers. Previously, the Trump administration had discussed the possibility of seizing tankers and in August, it took steps to revive a special court that examines the legality of seizing and confiscating enemy commercial vessels.
The third tanker, initially known as Lenore, is actually named Davina (300,976 dwt) and was stopped under claims of fraudulent registration in Curacao. This tanker has also recently been identified as heading towards the Atlantic Ocean. According to Kpler data, only the Majestic X tanker temporarily indicated a destination of the United States in July.
The U.S. has previously seized tankers linked to Iran, and in one instance, confiscated the Bella 1 vessel that was en route from Venezuela to the Atlantic. Similarly, in 2020, the U.S. seized and sold petroleum products from tankers that were stopped before reaching Venezuela.
Iran refers to the seizure of its tankers as piracy and has demanded an end to the blockade as one of the conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, the U.S. Central Command has stated that the blockade is being strictly enforced, and since September 25, it has directed 122 commercial vessels to ensure strict compliance with the rules.
Read more: Discovery of a sanctioned tanker cargo on its way from Iran to China · Bahrain took the lead in calling for the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
