The U.S. Navy has intercepted a sanctioned vessel linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet” in the Arabian Sea, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
The vessel, identified as the M/V Sevan, is among 19 ships previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for allegedly transporting billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian oil and gas in violation of international sanctions. It was stopped by a U.S. Navy helicopter deployed from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91).
CENTCOM said the vessel is currently complying with U.S. military instructions and is being escorted as it turns back toward Iran.
The interception is part of a broader enforcement effort targeting Iran’s illicit oil trade. U.S. officials disclosed that a total of 37 vessels have been redirected since the start of the operation, described as a blockade aimed at curbing sanctioned energy shipments.
The development underscores escalating maritime enforcement actions in the region, as Washington continues to tighten pressure on Tehran’s energy exports amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
