Iran's Shadow Fleet Stranded in International Waters

Twenty Iranian oil tankers, part of Tehran's 'shadow fleet', have been stranded in international waters off the coast of Sri Lanka. The vessels, which were used to smuggle Iranian oil under sanctions, are now empty and unable to return to their home ports without risking attack or seizure by American forces.

The US naval blockade of Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz was renewed in July, breaking the cycle of loading new cargo and returning to Iran. The crews on board the tankers are facing growing shortages of food, fuel, and fresh water, with some reports indicating that sailors may be forced to ration their supplies.

The US has applied aggressive diplomatic pressure on Sri Lanka, warning local companies that supplying services to the Iranian tankers would risk heavy secondary sanctions. As a result, port authorities and firms have stopped approving supply vessels, leaving the crews without basic provisions.