• US military has intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters.
• The interceptions are part of a growing US blockade on Iran's maritime trade.
• The Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies.
• Iran has fired upon vessels and seized others amid escalating maritime tensions.
• US Central Command has directed 29 vessels to return since the blockade began.

The United States military has intercepted a minimum of three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters, specifically near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, as part of its ongoing maritime blockade imposed on Iran. This development occurs during a fragile ceasefire amid heightened tensions following recent military actions by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz, which is a critical route for global oil shipments, according to India Times and Channel News Asia.

The intercepted vessels include the Iranian supertankers Dorena, Deep Sea, and Sevin. The Dorena was last tracked off India’s southern coast and has been escorted by a US Navy destroyer following its interception. The Deep Sea and Sevin were last seen near Malaysia. This action reflects an increase in the US military's focus on vessels operating outside the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate risks associated with floating mines, according to South China Morning Post and India Times.

The maritime blockade comes amid reports of Iran firing upon vessels and seizing container ships attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz. This closure is said to be disrupting approximately a fifth of the world’s oil and gas supplies, exacerbating global energy crises. As US President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire to facilitate potential negotiations, signs of renewed talks seem distant, with both sides accusing each other of bad faith, according to India Times and South China Morning Post.

Since the blockade's inception, US Central Command reported that it has directed at least 29 vessels to turn back or return to port, reflecting the escalating enforcement of maritime restrictions against Iran. This increased military presence aims to deter Iranian maritime trade and preserve the security of vital oil supply routes, confirmed by data from multiple maritime security sources, according to Channel News Asia and India Times.