U.S. forces' boarding and seizure of the sanctioned tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean on April 23, carrying Iranian oil in violation of U.S. sanctions, marks the latest in a series of maritime interdictions targeting shadow fleet vessels evading restrictions on Iran and Venezuela since late 2025. This action, documented by Pentagon video, follows at least 10 similar intercepts in recent months across the Caribbean and Indian Ocean, reflecting intensified enforcement amid heightened Strait of Hormuz tensions. Iran's attacks on three cargo ships the prior day, capturing two, and its rejection of negotiations signal escalation risks, while U.S. naval presence sustains pressure on illicit oil trade. Traders weigh prospects for further seizures against potential de-escalation or retaliatory moves before the market's resolution date.