Three seized Iranian oil tankers head toward the United States

Three sanctioned oil tankers carrying approximately six million barrels of Iranian crude oil, valued at roughly $600 million, are currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean toward the United States. The vessels—identified as the Majestic X, Tifani, and Lenore—were seized by naval forces in the Indian Ocean earlier this year as part of a U.S. blockade targeting Iran-linked vessels.

The Majestic X and Tifani are currently positioned off the northern coast of Brazil, while the Lenore recently rounded Cape Horn. The cargoes consist of Iranian-origin crude loaded at Kharg Island or Jask. These ships are part of the so-called ‘dark fleet’ and were reportedly bound for China or Singapore prior to their interdiction.

The seizure is being conducted under ‘prize law,’ a legal framework rooted in maritime history that allows the Defense Department to capture enemy vessels during wartime. Following forfeiture proceedings, the oil is expected to be sold into the market rather than being placed in the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.