U.S. Government Seeks to Seize Oil Tankers Linked to Iran

The U.S. government is reportedly seeking to seize two oil tankers intercepted by the U.S. Navy, which are linked to Iran. According to Odaily, a senior White House official disclosed that the U.S. Department of Justice has initiated the seizure process. However, the official did not provide details on the procedure or clarify whether the move involves confiscating the crude oil on board. The official, who requested anonymity, cited 'operational security' as the reason for not disclosing the final disposition of the vessels or commenting on their current routes. According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy intercepted and boarded the two tankers on April 20 and 22 in the Indian Ocean, suspecting them of transporting oil from Iran. The report noted that the tankers continued to sail in the Indian Ocean in the following days, apparently changing course multiple times.