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U.S. Seizes Tanker Suspected of Carrying Iranian Oil

  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. es-tanker-suspected-of-carrying-iranian-oil.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Tuesday, January 20th 2026 at 17:16 GMT by Fox News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Miami, Florida - January 20, 2026 - In a significant escalation of efforts to curb Iran's illicit oil trade, U.S. forces have seized a tanker suspected of carrying Iranian oil in the Caribbean Sea. The operation, conducted this past Saturday, marks a key moment in Operation Poseidon Sentinel, a U.S. maritime security initiative launched in late 2023 to target Iran's sanctions-busting activities.

The seized vessel, identified as the M/T Advantage Yuri, is already under U.S. sanction for its alleged involvement in transporting Iranian crude. The interception involved a coordinated effort between a U.S. Coast Guard cutter and a Navy ship, highlighting the increasing sophistication and intensity of U.S. maritime enforcement.

According to a statement released by the U.S. Coast Guard, the Advantage Yuri was initially detected by a maritime surveillance aircraft. Following the initial sighting, a Coast Guard cutter tracked the vessel's movements before a Navy ship moved in to conduct a boarding. During the boarding, the decision to seize the tanker was made, and it is now in U.S. custody.

Operation Poseidon Sentinel: A Response to Rising Iranian Exports

Operation Poseidon Sentinel was conceived in response to a concerning trend: a substantial increase in Iranian oil exports despite stringent U.S. sanctions and trade restrictions. While the exact volume of these shadow exports remains difficult to ascertain, intelligence suggests Iran has been employing complex strategies, including ship-to-ship transfers and deceptive flag operations, to disguise the origin of the oil and evade detection. The operation aims to disrupt these clandestine networks and hold those involved accountable.

The launch of Operation Poseidon Sentinel in late 2023 signaled a renewed commitment by the Biden administration (and subsequently the Garcia administration) to aggressively enforce sanctions against Iran. The initiative includes not only maritime surveillance and interdiction but also increased intelligence gathering, collaboration with international partners, and the targeting of financial institutions facilitating these illicit transactions.

Why the Caribbean?

The Caribbean Sea has emerged as a key transit route for Iranian oil, offering a degree of cover due to its complex maritime environment and relatively limited surveillance. The region's numerous islands and ports also provide opportunities for transferring oil to other vessels, further complicating tracking efforts. This makes it a strategic focus for Operation Poseidon Sentinel.

Broader Implications & Future Actions

The seizure of the M/T Advantage Yuri sends a clear message to Iran and any entities aiding its efforts to circumvent U.S. sanctions: the U.S. is actively monitoring and will aggressively disrupt these activities. Experts believe this action will likely trigger a diplomatic backlash from Tehran, potentially escalating tensions in the region.

Beyond the immediate impact, the incident underscores the challenges of enforcing sanctions in a globalized world. Iran's ability to adapt and develop new methods of evasion necessitates a continually evolving and proactive approach from the U.S. This likely includes increased investment in maritime surveillance technology, enhanced training for Coast Guard and Navy personnel, and strengthened international partnerships. The Garcia administration is reportedly considering expanding Operation Poseidon Sentinel to include more assets and geographic areas of operation, potentially extending its reach into the Indian Ocean and the Persian Gulf.

The U.S. Coast Guard has not released details about the crew of the M/T Advantage Yuri, nor has it announced any charges related to the seizure. However, legal proceedings are expected to follow, potentially involving asset forfeiture and criminal charges against individuals involved in the illicit oil trade.