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US forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Monday after the vessel allegedly violated Washington's blockade on Iranian ports by attempting to sail to Iran, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the Palau-flagged M/T Marivex was transiting international waters toward Iran when US forces intervened.
"The F/A-18 Super Hornet fired a precision munition into the ship's engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from US forces," CENTCOM said on X, adding that the vessel "is no longer sailing to Iran."
According to CENTCOM, an F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) carried out the strike after the ship's crew failed to follow instructions issued by US forces.
"An F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired a precision munition into the ship's engineering and steering spaces after the crew failed to comply with directions from U.S. forces," the command said.
The US military said the strike disabled the vessel and prevented it from continuing its voyage toward Iran.
CENTCOM noted that it has been enforcing a blockade on all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports since April 13.
According to the command, US forces have disabled seven commercial vessels and redirected 134 others since the enforcement campaign began.
The blockade was introduced following the breakdown of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Tensions in the Middle East have remained elevated since the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.
Tehran responded with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf, as well as by closing the Strait of Hormuz.
A ceasefire brokered by Pakistan took effect on April 8, but subsequent talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting agreement.
Following the collapse of those negotiations, the United States imposed a blockade on Iranian ports, including facilities located along the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
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