India Seizes US-Sanctioned Iranian Ships Near Mumbai Amid Retaliation Claims
India has seized three oil tankers, the Stellar Ruby, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia, which were sanctioned by the US and linked to Iran, and has subsequently intensified maritime surveillance to combat illicit trade. These vessels reportedly disguised their identities to circumvent law enforcement, with their owners based overseas. India’s action aims to prevent its waters from being utilized for ship-to-ship transfers designed to conceal the origin of oil cargoes, a common tactic for bypassing sanctions. Despite these seizures, the National Iranian Oil Company denies any connection to the tankers or their cargoes.
John Q. Hosedrinker