Not Hormuz: US Military Suddenly Intercepts Iranian Ships Near Indonesia
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The United States is reported to have intercepted and diverted several Iranian-flagged tankers in various Asian waters. This move comes amid stalled peace talks and a fragile ceasefire in the Iran conflict.
Shipping and security sources on Wednesday (22/4/2026) local time stated that the US military has intercepted at least three Iranian tankers and directed them away from their positions around India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka. This action is part of the sea blockade imposed by Washington on Iranian trade.
Meanwhile, Iran has also increased pressure at sea by firing on ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route serving as the gateway to the Middle East’s eastern Gulf. Nearly two months since the US and Israel initiated war against Iran, there are no signs of peace talks resuming despite the ongoing ceasefire.
The closure of the strait has disrupted supplies of about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas, triggering a global energy crisis. In recent days, US forces have also seized an Iranian cargo ship and an oil tanker.
In response, Iran claims to have captured two container ships attempting to exit the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz after firing on them, marking the first seizures since the war began.
According to two US and Indian shipping sources and two Western maritime security sources who spoke to Reuters, Washington has also diverted at least three other Iranian-flagged oil tankers in recent days.
The US military has not yet provided an official response to requests for comment regarding the interceptions.
One of the intercepted ships is the Iranian-flagged supertanker Deep Sea, partially loaded with crude oil and last detected via public tracking systems off the coast of Malaysia about a week ago, based on MarineTraffic data and source statements.
Another ship, the Sevin tanker with a maximum capacity of 1 million barrels, was also intercepted. This vessel was reported to be carrying about 65% of its capacity and was last seen in Malaysian waters a month ago.
Meanwhile, the Iranian-flagged supertanker Dorena, fully loaded with around 2 million barrels of crude oil, was also intercepted. The ship was last detected off southern India three days ago.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated in a post on social media platform X that the Dorena is now under escort by a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after attempting to breach the blockade.
Additionally, shipping sources mentioned that another tanker, Derya, was likely intercepted. This ship failed to offload Iranian oil in India before the US sanctions exemption for purchasing Iranian oil expired on Sunday. MarineTraffic data shows the vessel was last seen off western India on Friday.
CENTCOM also revealed that since the blockade was imposed on ships entering and exiting Iranian ports, US forces have directed 29 ships to turn back or return to port.
However, the US military did not detail all intercepted ships and has not provided further comments regarding the Derya or Deep Sea.
Another maritime security source said that the US military is now targeting Iranian ships in open waters, far from the Strait of Hormuz, to avoid the risks posed by sea mines that could endanger operations.
This approach reflects an indirect escalation at sea between the two sides, amid an unclear path to resolution. With global energy distribution routes disrupted, tensions in the region have the potential to continue broadly impacting energy markets and world economic stability.