U.S military disables oil tanker in Gulf of Oman for allegedly violating Iran blockade, Central Command says
The U.S. military disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly violated an ongoing naval blockade on Iran by attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, according to military officials.
The Palau-flagged M/T Marivex was reportedly traveling without cargo when it was operating in international waters in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. forces said the vessel’s crew failed to respond to instructions issued in the region.
In response, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln struck the tanker’s engineering and steering compartments with a precision munition, rendering the ship unable to continue its voyage. Officials said the vessel is no longer capable of proceeding toward Iran.
The operation is part of a broader maritime blockade launched April 13 targeting vessels suspected of attempting to reach Iranian ports in violation of U.S. directives. Military officials said seven non-compliant ships have been disabled so far under the operation.
At the same time, more than 100 vessels have reportedly complied with instructions and been redirected, while dozens of ships carrying humanitarian supplies have been allowed to pass through the area without interference.
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