United States-seized Iranian oil tankers cross the Atlantic

Three Iranian-linked oil tankers carrying approximately 6 million barrels of crude oil, valued at nearly $600 million, are currently crossing the Atlantic Ocean toward the United States, according to maritime tracking data. The vessels were seized by the United States as part of efforts to enforce sanctions and limit Iranian oil exports.

The tankers, which include the Majestic X and Tifani—both seized in April and currently located off the northern coast of Brazil—and the Lenore, which entered the Atlantic via the Cape of Good Hope after being seized in the Indian Ocean in June, have no official destination listed. The Pentagon stated the seizures are intended to ‘interrupt illicit networks and intercept sanctioned vessels that provide material support to Iran.’ The actions follow a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports implemented in response to Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz.