Three oil tankers previously intercepted by United States forces while carrying Iranian crude are reportedly crossing the Atlantic Ocean toward the United States, with their combined cargo estimated at nearly six million barrels valued at about $600 million.

Vessel-tracking information indicates that two of the very large crude carriers were intercepted by U.S. forces in the Indian Ocean in April, while a third tanker was boarded in June. The U.S. Department of Defense and U.S. Indo-Pacific Command previously described the vessels involved in the interdictions as sanctioned or stateless ships linked to the transportation of Iranian oil.

Recent tracking data reportedly placed two of the tankers sailing northward off the coast of South America, while the third had passed the Cape of Good Hope and entered the Atlantic. Reports indicate that the vessels could be heading to the United States, although the final destination of all three and the legal disposition of their cargoes have not been officially confirmed.

The United States has previously pursued court-authorized forfeiture of Iranian petroleum that authorities said was transported in violation of sanctions. Any seizure, forfeiture or sale of the crude carried by the three tankers would be subject to applicable U.S. legal proceedings. The latest vessel movements come amid continuing U.S. maritime enforcement measures targeting Iranian oil shipments.