The U.S. armed forces intercepted at least three oil tankers flying Iranian flags in Asian waters and are redirecting them away from positions off India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, according to maritime and security sources told to Reuters.
Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian maritime trade, while Tehran responded with gunfire at vessels to hinder navigation through the Strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Persian Gulf.
Nearly two months after the start of the conflict involving the United States and Israel against Iran, signs of a resumption of peace talks remain scarce, amid a fragile ceasefire.
In recent days, American forces had already seized an Iranian-flag cargo ship and an oil tanker. Iran said it had captured two container ships attempting to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Separately, the United States diverted at least three other recent Iranian oil tankers.
