Sri Lanka, Aug. 29 -- The Sri Lankan government says it is closely monitoring a flotilla of state-owned Iranian fuel tankers anchored near the edge of the country's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Reports from maritime intelligence firm TankerTrackers.com and the Financial Times indicate that around 13 Iranian-flagged tankers alongside several shadow fleet vessels-a total of approximately twenty empty ships-have gathered off the Sri Lankan coast.

The vessels are currently unable to return to Iranian ports due to an ongoing US naval blockade, six months into the war that began with a United States and Israeli bombing campaign in February.

Foreign Ministry Director General of Media Thushara Rodrigo stated that because the vessels remain outside...