The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) on Wednesday said US forces have "disabled" an Iranian-flagged oil tanker that was attempting to sail towards an Iranian port in what it described as a violation of a US-imposed blockade. In a statement, CENTCOM said the vessel, identified as the M/T Hasna, was intercepted at about 09:00 ET on Wednesday while transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman. The tanker was described as unladen and en route to an Iranian port.
According to the US military, multiple warnings were issued to the vessel, which it said failed to comply. "US forces operating in the Gulf of Oman enforced blockade measures by disabling an Iranian-flagged unladen oil tanker attempting to sail toward an Iranian port," the statement said.
CENTCOM added that the tanker’s rudder was struck by rounds fired from a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72). It said the vessel was "no longer transiting to Iran".
"The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect," the command said. "CENTCOM forces continue to act deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance."
The incident comes amid heightened tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran that began on 28 February, after which Tehran effectively blocked vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route.
After talks between Washington and Tehran failed, President Donald Trump announced that US forces would enforce a blockade in waters outside the strait, including the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea.
A temporary ceasefire agreed last month has come under strain in recent days. Earlier this week, Trump announced an operation known as"Project Freedom",aimed at escorting neutral vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz.
The move prompted Iranian retaliation, with drones and missiles reported to have struck several ships. Iranian strikes also targeted the United Arab Emirates, according to reports.
Trump later said the operation had been halted following requests from Pakistan and other countries. The situation remains volatile, with both sides accusing each other of undermining the fragile truce.
Rounak is a journalist with over 7 years of experience covering geopolitical and international affairs. He has a keen interest in research and explain...View More
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