The US government seized nearly 1 million barrels of Iranian crude oil allegedly bound for China, according to newly unsealed court documents and a statement released by the Department of Justice on Friday.
It's an American ship. They can't transport Iranian oil for the same reason they can't transport cocaine. It's illegal.
The DoJ told the company they were breaking the law. The company admitted wrongdoing and told the captain to turn around and bring the oil to the US. By handing over the oil, the company hopes their fines will be reduced.
No naval forces were involved. No piracy, no interception at sea. Just a company trying to get out of hot water after it was busted