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U.S. forces board tanker M/T Tifani in Indian Ocean after sanctions on Iranian crude oil
U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit maritime interdiction and boarded the M/T Tifani in international waters overnight, the Department of Defence said. The tanker had been previously sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil in Asia, and there were no incidents reported during the boarding.
Why It Matters
The operation underscores ongoing enforcement of sanctions on Iran's crude oil and the use of maritime interdiction in international waters.
Timeline
4 Events
US forces board M/T Tifani in the Indian Ocean
April 21, 2026
U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit maritime interdiction and boarded the M/T Tifani in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia, reportedly carrying oil and described by the Pentagon as stateless despite Botswana flag. The boarding was reported as taking place without incident; ship-tracking data indicate the Tifani was carrying oil in the Indian Ocean on Tuesday.
Notice on contraband goods published ahead of the operation
April 16, 2026
A Pentagon notice published on Thursday states that any goods destined for an enemy and potentially usable in armed conflict are subject to capture beyond neutral territory, and that a broad list of contraband items may be seized from merchant vessels regardless of location.
US military statements on blockade extending beyond Iranian waters
April 14, 2026
US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine said last week that the US blockade would extend beyond Iranian waters and the war theater under control of the US Central Command.
U.S. forces board M/T Tifani in the Indian Ocean
April 21, 2026
The Department of Defence said U.S. forces conducted a right-of-visit maritime interdiction and boarded the tanker M/T Tifani without incident. The announcement described the incident as happening overnight and noted that international waters are not a refuge for sanctioned vessels.