U.S. Seizes Iranian Fuel From 4 Tankers Bound For Venezuela

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The tanker Bella’s cargo has been seized as it was carrying petroleum from Iran to Venezuela, the U.S. says. The tanker is seen here in a photo provided by the Department of Justice.

Department of Justice

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Department of Justice

The M/T Pandi is seen in a photo provided by the Justice Department.

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Department of Justice

The action represents the U.S. government’s largest-ever seizure of fuel shipments from Iran, the DOJ said.

«After enforcement of the U.S. forfeiture order, Iran’s navy forcibly boarded an unrelated ship in an apparent attempt to recover the seized petroleum, but was unsuccessful,» according to U.S. Central Command, which posted a video on Thursday of what the U.S. is calling a failed Iranian operation.

Today in international waters, Iranian forces, including two ships and an Iranian "Sea King" helicopter, overtook and boarded a ship called the 'Wila.' pic.twitter.com/455UQ5jwHT

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) August 12, 2020

The petroleum seizure comes as the U.N. Security Council has been holding tense discussions over a proposed U.S. extension of a 2015 arms embargo against Iran, which is due to expire in October. The extension is opposed by both China and Russia.