US sanctions oil tanker for Iranian trade involvement

The US Treasury Department sanctioned an oil tanker it says is involved in shipping Iranian commodities in support of Houthi rebels.

The Marshall Islands-flagged Lady Sofia is en route to China after receiving an unspecific cargo from another sanctioned vessel, Mehle. The so-called ship-to-ship transfer occurred on Jan. 31 near Singapore, with the Mehle disguising its true location through “spoofing,” according to a statement from the Treasury Department.

The US also sanctioned Vishnu Inc., which owns and operates the Lady Sofia.