U.S. Seizes 4 Iranian Fuel Cargoes for First Time

The Trump administration has for the first time confiscated vessels allegedly loaded with Iranian fuel in violation of sanctions, U.S. officials said, as it steps up its campaign of maximum pressure against Tehran.

Last month, U.S. federal prosecutors filed suit to seize four tankers’ worth of gasoline Iran was sailing to Venezuela, the latest salvo in the administration’s effort to stifle flows of goods and money that are helping to keep two of its top foes in power.

At the time, it was unclear if they would successfully be able to take control of the tankers, after a similar effort to seize Iranian fuel through a U.S. forfeiture case was unsuccessful last year.

The four vessels, called Luna, Pandi, Bering and Bella, were seized on the high seas in recent days and are now en route to Houston, the officials said. Senior administration officials are expected to meet the tankers at an event scheduled to mark the docking, the officials said. A spokesman for the Justice Department declined to comment.