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US Navy Fires on Iranian Tanker in Gulf of Oman, Enforcing Blockade

The US Navy fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it failed to comply with blockade warnings. The vessel, M/T Hasna, was disabled by an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln. CENTCOM confirmed the tanker is no longer proceeding toward Iran. The incident marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement measures in the Gulf region.

Key Points: US Navy Fires on Iranian Oil Tanker in Gulf of Oman

  • US Navy fires on Iranian-flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Oman
  • Vessel M/T Hasna disabled after ignoring warnings
  • F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln used
  • 52 vessels redirected as part of ongoing blockade
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US Navy fires at Iranian-flagged vessel in Gulf of Oman as part of its naval blockade

US Navy disables Iranian-flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Oman after it fails to comply with naval blockade warnings.

"After Hasna's crew failed to comply with repeated warnings, US forces disabled the tanker's rudder by firing several rounds from the 20mm cannon gun of a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet. - CENTCOM"

Washington DC, May 7

The US Naval Forces on Wednesday fired on an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman as part of its ongoing naval blockade against the Islamic Republic, claiming that the vessel failed to comply with the instructions from the American forces in the region.

According to a statement released by US Central Command (CENTCOM), US forces acted after the vessel, identified as M/T Hasna, did not comply despite repeated warnings while transiting international waters toward an Iranian port.

"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 at 9 am ET, May 6," the statement read.

According to CENTCOM, American forces issued multiple warnings to the tanker, informing it that it was in violation of the blockade. When the crew did not respond, US forces took action to stop the vessel.

"After Hasna's crew failed to comply with repeated warnings, US forces disabled the tanker's rudder by firing several rounds from the 20mm cannon gun of a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet," the statement added.

The fighter jet involved in the operation was launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72).

CENTCOM confirmed that the tanker is no longer proceeding toward Iran.

The US military reiterated that its blockade targeting vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports "remains in full effect", adding that forces are continuing to act "deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance".

In a separate update posted earlier on X, CENTCOM said the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush (CVN-77) is part of a large deployment enforcing the blockade.

It noted that so far, 52 commercial vessels have been instructed to reverse course or head back to port to ensure compliance.

"Aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush (CVN 77) is among the large contingent of US warships, aircraft, and personnel fully enforcing the US naval blockade against Iran. So far, 52 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port in order to comply," the post read.

The incident marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement measures in the Gulf region, amid heightened tensions linked to US efforts to restrict maritime access to Iranian ports.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
While I understand the US has its security concerns, disabling a civilian tanker's rudder with fighter jet fire seems excessive. International law must be respected by all, even the US. This could escalate tensions further and harm innocent seafarers. Diplomacy should come before military action. šŸŒ
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Naveen S
This is a serious violation of freedom of navigation. Imagine if some other country did the same in the Indian Ocean near our ports! We would be furious. The US is acting unilaterally and ignoring international norms. India should strengthen its naval presence to protect its own interests.
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Aditya G
Honestly, yaar, this is just another example of 'might is right'. But we need to thinkā€”is Iran the real threat, or is it the US flexing its naval muscles? India's policy of strategic autonomy is spot on. We shouldn't get dragged into others' wars. Apne desh ka dhyan rakho pehle.
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Rohit L
As an Indian, I feel this is a dangerous precedent. The Gulf of Oman is a vital sea lane for our energy security. Any disruption affects us directly. India must ensure it has a robust naval presence there and work with other like-minded nations to maintain stability. Blockades harm the global economy.
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Shreya B
This is not just about Iran vs USA. It's about rule of law versus brute force. International waters should be free for all. The US naval blockade is illegal under UNCLOS. India has always advocated for peaceful resolution of disputes through dialogue. We should lead by example and condemn such actions.

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