US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Wednesday that American naval forces fired upon an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman as part of the ongoing US naval blockade targeting Iran, reported ANI.
US says tanker ignored repeated warnings
According to CENTCOM, the vessel, identified as M/T Hasna, was heading towards an Iranian port through international waters when US forces intervened. American officials claimed the tanker failed to comply with repeated instructions and warnings issued by naval forces operating in the region, reported ANI.
The US military stated that the vessel was allegedly in violation of blockade measures currently being enforced around Iranian maritime routes.
US fighter jet disables vessel’s rudder
CENTCOM said US forces took action after the crew reportedly ignored multiple warnings. According to the statement, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter aircraft fired several rounds from its 20mm cannon, targeting and disabling the tanker’s rudder to stop the vessel from continuing its journey, reported ANI.
The fighter jet involved in the operation was launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) aircraft carrier, which is part of the American naval deployment in the region.
US officials said the tanker is no longer moving towards Iran.
Naval blockade against Iran remains active
The US military reiterated that its blockade measures targeting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports remain fully operational. CENTCOM said American forces are continuing to enforce the restrictions “deliberately and professionally” to ensure compliance from commercial shipping, reported ANI.
The latest action marks another escalation in tensions surrounding maritime operations near Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical global energy corridors.
USS George HW Bush involved in operations
In a separate statement posted on X, CENTCOM confirmed that the USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) is also participating in the large-scale naval deployment enforcing the blockade.
According to the US military, at least 52 commercial vessels have so far been instructed to either reverse course or return to port in order to comply with the restrictions imposed by Washington.
Maritime tensions continue to intensify
The incident comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran over maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Gulf region. The ongoing naval blockade and military deployments have significantly increased concerns over the possibility of further confrontation in key international shipping lanes.
The Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz remain strategically vital for global oil and gas trade, with any disruption to shipping in the area carrying major implications for international energy markets and regional stability.
(With inputs from ANI)