Archive · 26 Sep 2026
Iran-Linked Tankers Head Toward US Amid Seizure Proceedings
The United States stopped several large ships carrying oil linked to Iran.
Two of the ships are now sailing toward the United States.
American officials say they may take control of the ships and the oil through court proceedings.
The oil is worth almost $600 million.
A third ship was also stopped and is included in legal cases.
The ships are moving more slowly than usual.
The United States says the seizures are connected to its effort to pressure Iran during the conflict.
Similar US seizures have sometimes faced legal and financial problems.
Officials have not explained exactly what they will do with the ships next.
Two Iran-linked supertankers, Tifani and Majestic X, are sailing toward the United States after being boarded by US forces in April.
US authorities are pursuing forfeiture of the vessels and roughly 4 million barrels of Iranian crude valued at nearly $600 million.
A third tanker, known as Lenore and Davina, was intercepted in June and is also part of US legal proceedings.
The tankers have traveled around Brazil and the Cape of Good Hope at slower-than-normal speeds, according to shipping data.
The Justice Department may use federal forfeiture proceedings or maritime prize-court procedures to seize and sell the ships and oil.
- Who
- US naval forces, the Justice Department, and three Iran-linked oil tankers—Tifani, Majestic X, and Lenore/Davina—are central to the case.
- What
- The United States is pursuing forfeiture of the tankers and approximately 4 million barrels of Iranian crude.
- When
- Tifani and Majestic X were boarded in April; Lenore/Davina was intercepted in June; the tankers are now sailing toward the United States.
- Where
- The vessels were intercepted in the Indian Ocean, later traveled near Brazil or around the Cape of Good Hope, and may head to US ports.
- Why
- The blockade and seizures were intended to restrict Iran’s oil revenues and pressure Tehran to end the conflict.
- Tankers involved
- Tifani, Majestic X—also known as Phonix—and Lenore—also known as Davina.
- Cargo
- Approximately 4 million barrels of Iranian crude oil.
- Estimated cargo value
- Nearly $600 million at current market prices.
- US legal action
- The US Attorney’s Office confirmed cases related to all three tankers.
- Current route
- Tifani and Majestic X have skirted Brazil; a third tanker headed west into the Atlantic after rounding the Cape of Good Hope.
- Shipping speed
- The vessels are traveling at about 8 or 9 knots, compared with normal speeds of 12 to 13 knots.
- Earlier precedent
- The United States brought Iranian crude ashore under an earlier forfeiture process in 2023.