The US intercepted the Iranian "shadow fleet" tanker VERONICA III in the Indian Ocean
According to the US Department of Defence, the Panamanian-flagged tanker was intercepted in the Indian Ocean. The ministry said that the ship had attempted to violate the quarantine imposed by President Donald Trump, after which its movements were tracked from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean. According to official information, the operation took place without incident.
VERONICA III is a tanker for transporting crude oil and has been on the US Treasury Department's sanctions list since March 2024. The vessel was added to the list as part of the expansion of restrictions against the Iranian shadow fleet. The sanctions documents state that the tanker is linked to the Chinese company SHANGHAI FUTURE SHIP MANAGEMENT CO LTD, which is also under US sanctions.
According to Starboard Maritime Intelligence, the last AIS signal from the vessel was recorded on 23 September 2025 off the west coast of Africa near Nigeria. After that, the transponder was silent for more than 145 days. Subsequently, the tanker reappeared on the air in the Indian Ocean.
On 15 February, VERONICA III was recorded with a draught of up to 21.6 metres, which corresponds to almost full load for vessels of this class. A video released by the US military shows that the tanker is submerged at the waterline, which also indicates a full load. Where exactly the ship took on oil during the absence of an AIS signal has not been officially reported.
This week, The Wall Street Journal, citing sources, wrote that the US administration is considering seizing tankers carrying Iranian oil as a means of increasing economic pressure on Tehran. According to the publication, this option was discussed in the context of attempts to force Iran to make concessions on its nuclear programme, but the White House took into account the risks of escalation and a possible increase in global oil prices.
The US has previously used similar tactics against Venezuela. In December, Washington announced maritime restrictions, after which the US military reported the interception of at least eight tankers that were under sanctions and calling at Venezuelan ports.
