Sri Lanka, Oct. 4 -- The United States did not exert pressure on Sri Lanka to deny food or water to Iranian ships anchored in nearby seas, Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath stated.

Nearly 47 vessels currently remain in the sea area near Sri Lanka, with around 19 identified as Iranian ships.

The minister clarified that these Iranian vessels have been present in those waters for a long time and that the US imposed no restrictions regarding the provision of food or water to them.

He added that Sri Lanka continues to care for the vessel 'Bushehr', located in Trincomalee. However, the minister emphasised that Sri Lanka, as a government, provided no supplies to US-sanctioned vessels and continues to act in accordance with international...