U.S. Military Boards Iran-Linked Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean, Vows Expanded Maritime Enforcement

Gate News message, April 21 — The U.S. Department of Defense announced on April 21 that American military forces boarded and inspected an Iran-linked oil tanker on the evening of April 20. The vessel, identified as the Tiffany, was located in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia. According to the statement, the tanker is stateless and subject to sanctions; U.S. forces conducted a maritime interception and boarding inspection with no incidents reported.

The Tiffany has been sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury for allegedly smuggling Iranian crude oil. The Pentagon stated that it will conduct maritime enforcement operations globally to intercept sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran.