The U.S. military intercepted a merchant vessel trying to get through the blockade of Iran on Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command. The ship, identified as the Sevan, was part of a 19-vessel 'shadow fleet' transporting Iranian oil and gas products to foreign markets.
Central Command said it was intercepted in the Arabian Sea by a U.S. Navy helicopter from the guided-missile destroyer USS Pinckney and was 'currently complying with U.S. military direction to turn back to Iran under escort.'
The 'shadow fleet' vessels have been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department for activities related to transporting billions of dollars' worth of Iranian energy, oil and gas products, including propane and butane, to foreign markets.
Since the blockade began, 37 ships have been 'redirected,' the U.S. military said.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed the urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. President Donald Trump during a call on Sunday.
The leaders discussed the urgent need to get shipping moving again in the Strait of Hormuz, given the severe consequences for the global economy and cost of living for people in the UK and globally.
French President Emmanuel Macron reiterated his focus on efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been choked due to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran.
Macron warned that panic caused by geopolitical uncertainty can lead to shortages, and TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne pressed for the reopening of the strait to avoid global energy scarcity.
TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne stated that if the blockade lasts two or three months more, it could lead to a world of scarcity of energy, which Asian countries have already suffered.
The prolonged blockade of Iranian ports has severe consequences for the global economy and cost of living.
