Kamal Ghorui
The United States military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters and redirected them away from positions near India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka, amid an ongoing maritime blockade on Iran.The interceptions come as Washington tightens restrictions on Tehran’s seaborne trade during a fragile ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.According to Reuters, US forces have increasingly targeted vessels outside the Strait of Hormuz, including in open waters, to reduce risks from floating mines.Among the vessels intercepted were the supertankers Dorena, Deep Sea and Sevin. The Dorena, carrying about 2 million barrels of crude, was last seen off India’s southern coast and is now under escort by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean, as per Reuters.The Sevin, partially loaded, and the Deep Sea were last tracked near Malaysia.Shipping sources also indicated that another tanker, Derya, may have been intercepted after failing to offload Iranian crude in India before a US waiver expired, reported Reuters.
Blockade tightens grip on global oil flows
The US Central Command said it has directed at least 29 vessels to turn back or return to port since the blockade began, highlighting the scale of enforcement.The maritime standoff has significantly disrupted global energy supply chains. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz — through which about 20% of the world’s oil and gas flows in normal times — has triggered a wider energy crisis and sharply reduced exports.
Escalation at sea amid stalled talks
Tensions have intensified in recent days, with Iran firing on ships and seizing two container vessels in the strategic waterway. These developments come despite US President Donald Trump extending a ceasefire to allow more time for diplomacy.However, prospects for renewed talks remain uncertain. Iran has accused the US of acting in “bad faith,” while planned negotiations in Islamabad have been delayed after Tehran did not confirm participation.With both sides continuing military and maritime actions, the standoff in key shipping routes shows little sign of easing, keeping global energy markets on edge.
