Sri Lanka declines to assist 19 stranded Iranian oil tankers amid U.S. sanctions concerns

Sri Lanka's government announced it will not provide assistance to 19 Iranian oil tankers anchored in international waters approximately 44 km off its coast, despite shortages of food, drinking water, and fuel on board. The vessels have been stranded for several months. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson stated the government prioritizes national interests before deciding on aid, noting that supply companies are aware of potential U.S. secondary sanctions risks.