US intercepts sanctioned vessel in Arabian Sea, redirects to Iran

ANKARA

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that a sanctioned vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea and redirected to Iran as part of the enforcement of Washington’s sanctions and a maritime blockade.

CENTCOM wrote on US social media platform X that the merchant vessel M/V Sevan was among 19 “shadow fleet” ships recently sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for transporting Iranian energy products to foreign markets.

It said the vessel had been involved in carrying “billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane.”

According to CENTCOM, the ship was intercepted by a US Navy helicopter operating from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91).

“Sevan was intercepted … and is currently complying with US military direction to turn back to Iran under escort,” it said.

CENTCOM added that US forces continue to enforce sanctions and implement the blockade on vessels entering or departing Iranian ports.

“Thirty-seven vessels have been redirected since the start of the blockade,” it said.

No further details were provided on the vessel’s crew or cargo status following the interception.