U.S. Seizes Iran-Linked Oil Tanker Skywave in Indian Ocean

The U.S. Navy intercepted the Skywave, a vessel associated with Iran, in the Indian Ocean on May 19, 2026. The ship was previously placed on the U.S. sanctions list in March 2026. The seizure followed a pattern of U.S. actions targeting Iranian assets in international waters. The Wall Street Journal reported the U.S. action, citing the vessel’s prior sanctions. Tass, the Russian state news agency, echoed the report, noting the U.S. sanctions against Skywave. Both sources confirmed the vessel’s Iranian ties and the U.S. action. The move is part of broader U.S. efforts to curb Iran’s influence in global trade and energy markets. Iran has condemned the seizure as an act of aggression, while the U.S. has framed it as a necessary measure to enforce sanctions.