India Seizes Iran-Linked Tankers

India has seized three US-sanctioned oil tankers, Stellar, Asphalt Star, and Al Jafzia, linked to Iran, and significantly increased maritime surveillance near India — Mumbai. This action aims to prevent India's waters from being used for illicit ship-to-ship transfers that obscure the origin of oil cargoes. The seized vessels frequently changed identities to evade authorities, and their owners are based overseas. The National Iranian Tanker Company has denied any connection to the tankers or their cargoes. The Pakistan — Pakistan Coast Guards intercepted the vessels about 100 nautical miles west of India — Mumbai and escorted them for further investigation. This crackdown follows an improvement in ties between India and the United States, with Washington having recently cut import tariffs on goods after India reportedly agreed to stop Russian oil imports. The US United States — Office of Foreign Assets Control had previously sanctioned vessels with IMO numbers identical to those captured. Two of the tankers, Al Jafzia and Stellar, have direct links to Iran, while Asphalt Star primarily operated around China. This event highlights the ongoing challenges in enforcing international sanctions against illicit oil trade.