US Navy Intercepts Tanker Linked to Iran in Arabian Sea

SadaNews - On Saturday, the US Navy intercepted a sanctions-impacted vessel in the Arabian Sea as part of the blockade imposed by the Trump administration on Iranian energy exports, according to US Central Command.

The M/V Sevan was among 19 ships from the "shadow fleet" that the US Treasury Department sanctioned on Friday, due to its ties to "the delivery of Iranian oil and gas products worth billions, including propane and butane, to foreign markets," as stated by a release from Central Command.

On Saturday, the United States deployed a Navy helicopter to intercept the commercial vessel, which subsequently complied with US military directives to return to Iran under escort, according to Central Command.

The Sevan, which has previously carried Iranian shipments, was tracked this week as it approached the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is owned and operated by Anka Energy & Logistics, based in Dubai.

37 Ships Diverted Since the Start of the Iranian Port Blockade

US forces continue to enforce the blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports, with 37 ships diverted since the enforcement began, according to Central Command.

Earlier on Saturday, US President Donald Trump canceled a trip for his senior envoys to Pakistan for potential talks regarding a deal with Iran, raising doubts about the future of the ceasefire between the two sides.