Iran-linked tankers left idling off Sri Lanka and Malaysia by US blockade

Dozens of tankers linked to Iran's oil trade are waiting at sea off Sri Lanka and Malaysia, unable to return to Iranian ports because of the US naval blockade, The Maritime Executive reported. More than a dozen are anchored at Galle, just outside Sri Lankan territorial waters, and about 48 lie east of Johor, outside Malaysia's exclusive economic zone; nearly all are said to be empty. The outlet said Iranian oil held afloat had dropped from 192 million barrels in mid-April to roughly 80 million by the end of August. As of 1 September, US Central Command had redirected 84 commercial vessels, disabled three and boarded two, according to the report.

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