On the Legality and Policy Ramifications of High Seas Seizures of Foreign Merchant Vessels for Violating U.S. Sanctions

Despite robust U.S. sanctions, Tehran and Caracas are undertaking a significant shipping operation to provide desperately needed cash to Iran and weapons and fuel to Venezuela. The Iranian frigate IRIS Sahand and converted oil tanker IRINS Makran, the latter freshly commissioned as a military vessel, are currently transiting the Atlantic en route to Venezuela. If these ships reach Venezuela, it will be a milestone in Iran’s evolving