Reports indicate that numerous Iranian vessels are facing severe difficulties due to stringent US sanctions and naval blockades. Consequently, some of these ships are in a critical situation, with shortages of food, fuel, and drinking water reported on board.
Foreign media report that approximately 20 Iranian oil tankers facing such supply disruptions are currently anchored about 15 miles off Sri Lanka's southwestern coast, with the crews facing precarious conditions. It is also reported that the majority of these vessels anchored near Sri Lanka were transporting crude oil to China.
Although the crews are attempting to procure food, fuel, and essential supplies, they are facing severe hardship as some Sri Lankan suppliers are reluctant to provide services due to the fear of violating US sanctions. As these vessels are anchored outside Sri Lanka's sovereign waters—specifically, near its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)—the legal authority Sri Lankan officials can exercise over them is limited.