Sri Lanka moved 40 Iranian sailors ashore from U.S.-sanctioned tankers

World Oct 25, 2026

Sri Lanka just helped out 40 Iranian sailors who were stuck near its coast on U.S.-sanctioned oil tankers.

The crew was moved ashore safely at the port of Galle, received medical treatment in Colombo, and then left Sri Lanka the same night, all with costs covered by the Iranian Embassy.

Even though Sri Lanka didn't assist the ships directly due to sanctions, it made sure the sailors got the care they needed.

Sri Lanka balances humanitarian aid, geopolitics

This move highlights Sri Lanka's effort to balance humanitarian values with tricky global politics, especially after recent tensions involving both Iran and the US nearby.

Despite everything, Sri Lanka managed to offer help while still looking out for its own interests.