Vessels seized by the U.S. this week were part of a global 'shadow fleet'

U.S. seizes two Iranian-linked oil tankers, spotlighting the shadow fleet enabling sanctions evasion and illicit trade. | Contesto: cronaca

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• Vessels seized by the U.S. this week were part of a global 'shadow fleet'

Contesto

The U.S. military this week seized two oil tankers with ties to Iran, marking a significant escalation in efforts to disrupt what experts call a global "shadow fleet" of vessels operating outside international regulatory frameworks. The operation, which took place in international waters, targeted ships suspected of transporting Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions. The seizures underscore the growing challenge posed by a network of aging, poorly insured, and often untraceable tankers that have become a lifeline for sanctioned regimes. Elisabeth Braw, a senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, described the shadow fleet as a "parallel shipping system" that has expanded rapidly in recent years. These vessels, she explained, often transfer cargo at sea, disable tracking systems, and use complex ownership structures to evade detection. "The shadow fleet is not a new phenomenon, but it has grown significantly since the imposition of sanctions on Iran and Russia," Braw said in an interview. "This seizure is a reminder that the U.S. is willing to take direct action, but it also highlights how difficult it is to police the high seas." The two tankers seized this week are believed to be part of a broader network that moves Iranian crude oil to buyers in Asia, often via ship-to-ship transfers in regions like the South China Sea or near the coast of Malaysia. The U.S. has increasingly focused on these illicit operations as part of its maximum pressure campaign against Tehran. However, experts note that the shadow fleet is vast, with hundreds of vessels potentially involved, making each seizure a tactical victory rather than a strategic solution. The implications of the seizures extend beyond Iran. The same shadow fleet has been used by Russia to export oil after Western sanctions were imposed following its invasion of Ukraine. This dual-use nature complicates enforcement, as vessels and owners shift allegiances and registries to avoid scrutiny. "The shadow fleet is a global problem requiring a global response," Braw added. "No single country can dismantle it alone." The U.S. military has not disclosed the names of the seized vessels or their crews, but officials have...

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Categoria: cronaca