US-Sanctioned Iranian Tankers Spotted Off Sri Lanka's Southern Coast

Sri Lanka's maritime authorities are keeping an eye on 11 US-sanctioned Iranian oil tankers that have been spotted near the country's southern coast. The vessels, which were previously involved in a incident where one of their number was sunk by a US submarine in March, are currently in international waters.

The tankers were detected close to Galle harbour, where an Iranian frigate called IRIS Dena met its demise after being attacked by the American submarine. The sinking resulted in the loss of 104 lives, but miraculously, 32 sailors from the frigate were rescued by Sri Lanka's navy.

Iranian vessels have been unable to return to their home port due to a US blockade put in place as part of economic sanctions against Iran. Sri Lanka's Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath has clarified that these ships are outside the country's territorial waters and that no action will be taken against them, provided they do not engage in any illicit activities such as ship-to-ship oil transfers or pollutant discharge.