US disables tanker heading to Iran in Gulf of Oman
Washington, June 8
, U.S. forces on Monday disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly violated Washington's ongoing blockade against Iran and continued sailing toward an Iranian port despite directions from American military authorities.
The action marks the latest enforcement measure under a blockade initiated by the United States on April 13 and underscores the growing military pressure surrounding maritime traffic linked to Iran.
According to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the Palau-flagged tanker M/T Marivex was disabled while transiting international waters in the Gulf of Oman on its way toward Iran. The vessel was unladen at the time of the incident.
CENTCOM said the ship failed to comply with instructions issued by U.S. forces.
An F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln fired what CENTCOM described as a "precision munition" into the vessel's engineering and steering spaces. The strike rendered the tanker incapable of continuing its voyage.
"Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran," CENTCOM said in a statement.
The military did not report casualties, damage beyond the targeted systems, or the identity and nationality of the crew members aboard the vessel.
CENTCOM said the disabled tanker had been attempting to reach an Iranian port despite the ongoing blockade.
The command also released updated figures on its enforcement operations since April 13. According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces have disabled seven vessels deemed non-compliant with blockade measures, redirected 134 ships that complied with instructions, and permitted 42 vessels carrying humanitarian assistance to continue their voyages.
The statement did not identify the intended Iranian destination of the tanker, nor did it provide details about the vessel's cargo history or any communications that may have occurred between the crew and U.S. forces before the strike.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an Indian, I'm watching this very carefully. We import so much oil from the Gulf region - if the US can just disable ships going to Iran, what stops them from doing the same to Indian tankers someday? This sets a very dangerous precedent for global trade and sovereignty. The whole world should be concerned.
Unilateral action like this only destabilizes the region further. The Gulf of Oman is a critical waterway for global energy supplies. If America wants to enforce sanctions, they should work through the UN or international bodies, not act like a global police force firing missiles at civilian vessels. This cowboy diplomacy needs to stop.
I understand the US wants to pressure Iran, but disabling a ship with a precision munition is excessive. What if the crew had been on board? This could have easily turned into a humanitarian disaster. India needs to maintain its independent foreign policy and not get dragged into supporting such aggressive measures. 😠
Honestly, I think this is a necessary action. Iran has been causing trouble in the region for years - supporting proxies, threatening shipping lanes, and developing nuclear capabilities. A weak response only encourages more aggression. India should be pragmatic about this - Iran's not exactly our best friend either these days.
This is state-sponsored piracy, plain and simple. The US has no legal authority to blockade other countries in international waters. If a smaller nation like India or China did this, there would be international outrage. The double standards are breathtaking. We need a multipolar world where no single power can act as judge, jury, and executioner.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.