US Intercepts Vessel Linked To Iran’s ‘Shadow Fleet’

By RFE/RL’s Radio Farda 03:03 26.4.2026

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it intercepted and sent back to an Iranian port a vessel linked to Iran’s so-called “shadow fleet,” as the US military continues to enforce a blockade of ships entering or exiting the country’s ports.

“Earlier today, Sevan was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a US Navy helicopter from guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney…and the merchant vessel is currently complying with US military direction to turn back to Iran under escort,” CENTCOM — responsible for US military operations in the Middle East — said on April 25.

The M/V Sevan was among 19 shadow fleet vessels sanctioned by the US Treasury a day earlier “for activities related to transporting billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets,” CENTCOM said.

The latest Treasury Department sanctions targeted ships in Iran’s shadow fleet, which the US says plays a key role in raising funds from Iranian oil and gas exports.

“US forces continue to enforce US sanctions and fully implement the blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports. Thirty-seven vessels have been redirected since the start of the blockade,” CENTCOM said.

A “shadow fleet” generally refers to an illegal network of ships operating under false flags to circumvent international sanctions.

Source: blockade-gulf-israel/33640284.html?lbis=451882

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