Ankara: The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Saturday that a sanctioned vessel was intercepted in the Arabian Sea and redirected to Iran as part of the enforcement of Washington's sanctions and a maritime blockade. CENTCOM wrote on US social media platform X that the merchant vessel M/V Sevan was among 19 'shadow fleet' ships recently sanctioned by the US Treasury Department for transporting Iranian energy products to foreign markets.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ship was intercepted by a US Navy helicopter operating from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney (DDG 91). 'Sevan was intercepted . and is currently complying with US military direction to turn back to Iran under escort,' it said.

CENTCOM added that US forces continue to enforce sanctions and implement the blockade on vessels entering or departing Iranian ports. 'Thirty-seven vessels have been redirected since the start of the blockade,' it said. No further details were provided on the vessel's crew or cargo status following the interception.

Source: Anadolu Agency