Three tankers carrying about 6 million barrels of Iranian crude worth an estimated $600 million are crossing the Atlantic toward the United States after being intercepted by U.S. forces as part of Washington’s sanctions enforcement against Iran.
The Tifani and Majestic X, stopped in the Indian Ocean in April, and the Davina, also known as Lenore, intercepted off Sri Lanka in June, are reportedly now heading toward U.S. waters. The vessels had been operating under flags that U.S. authorities considered false or invalid.
The Pentagon said the tankers were boarded under the right of visit applicable to sanctioned stateless vessels. The Trump administration is expected to seek forfeiture of the ships and their cargoes, with Texas reportedly a likely destination. Washington also moved in August to revive a prize court mechanism that could adjudicate such seizures.
The U.S. has previously seized Iranian oil cargoes, including the Suez Rajan shipment and the Bella 1, although such legal proceedings can be lengthy and costly. Iran retaliated after the Suez Rajan seizure by taking control of the vessel in 2024 and has described the current U.S. action as piracy.
Iran has also linked the lifting of the blockade to any reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command says 122 vessels have so far been redirected, while another intercepted tanker, the Skywave, remains unaccounted for.
The Majestic X and Tifani, reportedly only weeks from U.S. waters, could become the focus of a major confrontation over the seizure and disposition of the Iranian crude.