US-Blocked Oil Tankers Carrying $600 Million Worth of Iranian Crude Head Towards America

The US seized three Iran-linked oil tankers in April, which were carrying nearly six million barrels of Iranian crude oil estimated to be worth $600 million. The vessels' transponders initially did not display their destinations, but tracking data now shows they are heading towards the United States.

The tankers were seized as part of US measures targeting Iran's oil exports, which have been disrupted by escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran since February. Two of the tankers, Majestic X and Tifani, were located off Brazil's northern coast on Thursday, while the third tanker, Lenore, entered the Atlantic Ocean through South Africa.

The US Department of War stated that the seizures aimed to 'disrupt illicit networks and interdict sanctioned vessels providing material support to Iran.' The tankers' seizures come amid the ongoing blockade of Iranian ports by the United States in response to Tehran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil shipping route.