US seeks to seize Iran oil cargoes bound for Venezuela

WASHINGTON: The US Justice Department issued a warrant on Thursday to seize the cargoes of four tankers carrying Iranian oil to Venezuela, tying the shipments to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which Washington calls a terror group. The Justice Department filed a forfeiture complaint and warrant in federal court in Washington for the cargoes of the tankers Bella, Bering, Pandi and Luna -- currently en route from Iran to Venezuela. The US alleges that the shipments involve parties affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the United States has designated a “foreign terrorist organiSation.” A court complaint citing a “confidential source” said Mahmoud Madanipour, who has ties to the IRGC, arranged the shipments for Venezuela, using offshore front companies and ship-to-ship transfers to avoid sanctions on Iran.