US Navy Intercepts Sanctioned Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Tanker in Arabian Sea

The USS Pinckney intercepted the Sevan on Saturday, forcing the sanctioned vessel to return to Iran as the total number of ships diverted under the US naval blockade reaches 37. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied (Photo by United States naval forces/X) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google United States naval forces intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” vessel in the Arabian Sea on Saturday, April 25, as Washington intensifies its military enforcement of sanctions against Iranian energy exports. The vessel, identified as the Sevan, was intercepted by a US Navy helicopter operating from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91). According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Sevan is one of 19 shadow fleet vessels sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for transporting billions of dollars worth of Iranian oil, gas, propane, and butane to foreign markets. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The ship is currently under US military escort and is following instructions to return to Iran. CENTCOM reaffirmed that the US military is fully implementing the blockade of all vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports. Since the start of the operation, US forces have successfully diverted 37 vessels . Yesterday, M/V Sevan was among 19 “shadow fleet” vessels sanctioned by the U.S. Department of Treasury for activities related to transporting billions of dollars worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets. Earlier today, Sevan… pic.twitter.com/7HdJ5iHNF7 This maritime enforcement action coincides with a significant hardening of Washington’s diplomatic stance. On Saturday, US President Donald Trump abruptly canceled a high-level mediation mission to Pakistan , claiming the US holds “all the cards” and has “won everything” in its standoff with Tehran. Trump reiterated that the naval blockade would remain in place until Iran agrees to a total abandonment of its enriched uranium program and ensures freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Other Topics of Interest Netanyahu Orders Major Strikes on Hezbollah Targets Following Ceasefire Violations The Israeli military launched a wave of attacks against rocket launchers and elite Radwan units in southern Lebanon after two missiles were fired at northern Israel. While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has labeled the blockade an “operational obstacle” and rejected “forced negotiations,” the interception of the Sevan demonstrates the US military’s resolve to maintain maximum pressure. With a third aircraft carrier stationed in the region, the “clock is ticking” strategy continues to squeeze Tehran’s economy, forcing the Iranian leadership to reconsider their negotiating position. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.