Nearly 20 Iranian oil tankers are reportedly anchored near Sri Lanka's Exclusive Economic Zone, unable to return home due to a US naval blockade, though the government states it bears no responsibility for the vessels.
The Sri Lankan Government is actively monitoring approximately 20 Iranian oil tankers that remain anchored near the country's Exclusive Economic Zone, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Media Director General Thushara Rodrigo. The official clarified that while the vessels are under observation, they are positioned outside Sri Lanka's sovereign territory and the nation is not providing them with any support or facilities.
According to data from TankerTrackers, around 13 Iranian-flagged vessels and several additional ships operating as part of the so-called "shadow fleet"—vessels used to circumvent international sanctions—are currently sheltering in the area. The tankers have been unable to proceed to Iranian ports due to what TankerTrackers describes as a US naval blockade. The monitoring service also noted that the vessels are currently not carrying fuel cargo.
Security concerns surrounding the anchored tankers stem from an incident in March involving the vessel IRIS Dena, which reportedly sank after being struck by an American submarine approximately 19 nautical miles off Sri Lanka's coast. TankerTrackers highlighted potential risks of further attacks on the stranded vessels. However, the service noted that international maritime law generally prohibits military action against vessels positioned within a neutral nation's territorial waters, which extend 12 nautical miles from the coastline.
The situation reflects ongoing tensions related to international sanctions against Iran and their enforcement in the Indian Ocean region, with Sri Lanka maintaining a position of non-involvement despite the vessels' proximity to its waters.
