The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has confirmed that American forces fired on and disabled an Iranian-flagged tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach a U.S. blockade on Wednesday.
The incident occurred around 9 a.m. ET when forces observed the empty tanker, identified as M/T Hasna, transiting international waters en route to an Iranian port. Despite multiple warnings, the vessel continued its course in violation of the blockade.
“US Central Command, CENTCOM, forces observed M/T Hasna as it transited international waters enroute to an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. American forces issued multiple warnings and informed the Iranian-flagged vessel it was in violation of the U.S. blockade,” CENTCOM said in a statement.
CENTCOM reported that precision shots struck the tanker’s rudder, successfully disabling its movement without further escalation.
“The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect. CENTCOM forces continue to act deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance,” the command added.
This is not the first time U.S. forces have intercepted vessels attempting to bypass the blockade, underscoring ongoing tensions in the region amid efforts to enforce maritime restrictions on Iran.
The strike highlights the continued enforcement of U.S. policy in the strategically vital Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz corridor, a key global oil transit route. No injuries were reported in the latest incident.
