Several tankers suspected of carrying Iranian crude oil reversed course in international waters after the United States warned it could intercept vessels linked to sanctioned oil shipments, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.

Citing maritime tracking firm List Intelligence, the report said at least five tankers changed direction while  route from the Gulf of Oman toward Southeast Asia. The Iran-flagged Suezmax tanker Kariz, carrying around one million barrels of crude, altered its course off Sri Lanka on April 17 after initially heading toward Malaysia and Singapore.

Another vessel, the Andromeda, which was transporting approximately two million barrels of oil, also diverted while in the Indian Ocean. Two additional tankers Amak and Elisabet reportedly turned back near the Strait of Hormuz after approaching US Navy vessels. Aside from Kariz, the flags of the other ships were not disclosed.

According to Asia News Network, the incident highlights increasing enforcement measures by the United States to curb Iranian oil exports, particularly across key maritime routes linking the Middle East to Asian markets.

Meanwhile, regional oil shipments not linked to Iran have continued. The Malaysian-owned tanker Ocean Thunder arrived in Malaysia on April 18 carrying about one million barrels of crude from Basrah, Iraq. Malaysia’s state energy firm PETRONAS said the delivery was part of its broader supply network to maintain fuel stability.

Separately, Reuters reported that the Liberia-flagged Very Large Crude Carrier Serifos, carrying crude from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, passed through the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month and is expected to reach Malaysia’s Melaka port on April 21.

The US military said on Saturday that 23 vessels have so far complied with its warnings and turned back toward Iran since Washington tightened restrictions, including what it described as a blockade on Iranian ports and coastal areas.

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