Sri Lanka not to aid stranded Iranian ships
Summary
Sri Lanka says it has no immediate plan to assist 19 stranded Iranian ships anchored in international waters near the island as they face shortages of food, water and fuel. Officials say national interests and possible U.S. secondary sanctions will guide any decision.
Key Points
- Sri Lanka's government says it will not immediately help 19 Iranian ships stranded near its coast in international waters.
- Foreign Ministry spokesman Thushara Rodrigo said Sri Lanka must put national interest first and is mindful of possible U.S. secondary sanctions.
- The Iranian Embassy said it has no details, while Sri Lankan officials described the vessels as Iranian oil tankers stranded after U.S. naval pressure in the region.
- Sri Lanka is weighing the issue carefully as it navigates economic dependence on both the United States and Iran.
