Iran's tankers are in the Atlantic, heading for Venezuela
Caracas regime leader Maduro recently surprised a group of mercenaries and Venezuelan dissidents, capturing two Americans in an ill-planned raid that has embarrassed Washington.
By SETH J. FRANTZMANA crew member of the Iranian oil tanker Grace 1 is seen on the bow as it sits anchored after it was seized earlier this month by British Royal Marines off the coast of the British Mediterranean territory(photo credit: JON NAZCA/ REUTERS)
Iran’s Fars News is tracking five of Iran's tankers that are heading for Venezuela. The US has said it would consider measures to stop Iran from delivering gasoline to the Nicolas Maduro regime in Caracas. Iran and Venezuela are allies; Turkey and Russia also support Maduro.Iran is proud that its fleet of tankers is crossing the high seas. The Fortune, Petonia and Forest had crossed the Straits of Gibraltar over the last 24 hours; the Fortune is estimated to be around a week away from Caracas.Iranian officials have not confirmed that the tankers are going to Venezuela or have fuel on board. Iran’s media, however, relying on Western sources, admit that the tankers are heading for Venezuela.Tehran has been paid in gold by Caracas to supply much needed fuel. Venezuela’s economy is in shambles.Maduro recently surprised a group of mercenaries and Venezuelan dissidents, capturing two Americans in an ill-planned raid that has embarrassed Washington.Iran has taken the opportunity to turn up the dial of controversy by poking its tankers through what could be a US naval screen. America has guided missile destroyers that could interdict the Iranians.But that would lead to a major crisi,s and the IRGC has threatened retaliation. Iran is rolling the dice with all its tankers heading for South America.
