WASHINGTON D.C April 25, 2026 – U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Saturday that American naval forces have intercepted the oil tanker M/V Sevan, a newly sanctioned vessel operating as part of Iran’s “shadow fleet.”
According to CENTCOM, the M/V Sevan was one of 19 shadow fleet vessels sanctioned just yesterday by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. The vessels are accused of transporting billions of dollars’ worth of Iranian energy, oil, and gas products — including propane and butane — to foreign markets in violation of U.S. sanctions.
Earlier today, a U.S. Navy helicopter launched from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91) intercepted the Sevan in the Arabian Sea. CENTCOM stated the merchant vessel is now “complying with U.S. military direction” and is being escorted back toward Iran.
This marks the latest enforcement action in the U.S.-led naval blockade aimed at preventing ships from entering or departing Iranian ports. Since the blockade began, U.S. forces have redirected a total of 37 vessels.
“U.S. forces continue to enforce U.S. sanctions and fully implement the blockade against ships entering or departing Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said in its official statement.
The operation comes amid heightened regional tensions and reflects the Trump administration’s strategy of tightening economic pressure on Tehran through aggressive maritime interdiction and sanctions enforcement. No injuries or escalation were reported during the interception.
The incident highlights the growing effectiveness of the U.S. naval presence in disrupting Iran’s efforts to bypass international sanctions via its shadow fleet of tankers.
Life News Agency will continue to monitor developments in the Arabian Sea and U.S.-Iran maritime operations.
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