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The U.S. has sharply increased its enforcement of sanctions against Iran in the Indian Ocean, intercepting nine crude oil tankers in the second quarter of 2026—three times the number stopped in the first three months of the year. Most boardings took place near Sri Lanka, where U.S. forces conducted maritime interdictions to disrupt networks tied to Tehran.
In April, a Botswana-flagged tanker carrying Iranian crude was boarded in the Bay of Bengal. The Pentagon labeled the vessel “stateless,” despite its flag registration in Equasis records until March. Officials stated that international waters cannot shelter sanctioned ships. A June operation targeted a very large crude carrier south of Sri Lanka, which the U.S. had sanctioned in October 2024 for its role in Iranian oil trading.
Precedent set by Venezuela operations
This campaign follows U.S. actions in 2025, when multiple tankers linked to Venezuela’s shadow fleet were seized in the same region. Those operations created a pattern of targeting vessels suspected of evading sanctions, a strategy now applied more aggressively against Iran. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command said it would continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and intercept ships supporting Iran.
The effort reflects a shift in how the U.S. monitors maritime trade. The rise in boardings indicates a more proactive stance, though it also presents challenges. Past operations faced logistical issues, including the need for sustained naval presence and legal questions about interdictions under international law.
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One change from earlier years is the expanded geographic scope. Previous enforcement focused near the Persian Gulf, but the current campaign reaches into the eastern Indian Ocean, a key route for oil shipments to Asia. This move may aim to close gaps in the sanctions regime but could heighten tensions with countries dependent on Iranian oil imports.
Insurgency spills into maritime domain
The Balochistan Liberation Army attacked a Pakistani Coast Guard vessel near Jiwani in April, killing three personnel. The assault marked a rare move by the separatist group, which typically focuses on land-based operations like ambushes and IED strikes against government infrastructure and Chinese-funded projects.
The attack may signal a tactical shift. If the BLA expands into coastal waters, it could target port infrastructure or shipping along Pakistan’s Makran coast, complicating security for vessels in the area. The group has previously disrupted the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and maritime attacks would further strain Islamabad’s border security efforts.
Piracy and armed robberies decline but risks remain
Reported thefts and armed robberies in Asian waters rose 35% from the previous quarter, driven by five incidents at Manila’s anchorage. Other hotspots included Belawan, Batangas, Chittagong, Sandakan, and the Singapore Strait, where 11 boardings made up 41% of all regional incidents in Q2.
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The number of attacks in the strait remains higher than before 2025 but shows a 70% drop compared to the same period last year. Despite this improvement, concerns persist. Perpetrators in the Singapore Strait, often based in Batam or Karimun, sometimes use methamphetamine, which can lead to violent behavior. Most carry knives or airsoft guns, increasing risks to crew members. Most incidents occur at anchorage, where vessels are stationary and vulnerable.
South China Sea tensions persist amid stalled diplomacy
China maintained military and coastguard pressure on Taiwan in Q2, with increased activity east of the island. Taipei and Western governments criticized the patrols, viewing them as an attempt to expand Beijing’s jurisdictional claims beyond routine operations. Meanwhile, tensions with the Philippines escalated near Second Thomas Shoal, where Chinese vessels blocked resupply missions to the BRP Sierra Madre using water cannons and aggressive maneuvers.
ASEAN foreign ministers met in Bangkok to discuss the South China Sea Code of Conduct, with the Philippines advocating for binding enforcement mechanisms. China opposed external arbitration, insisting disputes be resolved bilaterally. Technical consultations in Hanoi reaffirmed the 2026 deadline for finalizing the agreement, but recent incidents highlighted the need for clear safety protocols.
Talks between Philippine and Chinese envoys were described as candid but inconclusive. The lack of progress on key issues, such as the legal status of contested features, suggests tensions in the region will likely continue.
