Washington, June 8: The United States military disabled an oil tanker heading towards Iran in the Gulf of Oman on Monday. The military accused the vessel of violating the maritime blockade imposed against Iran and ignoring directives from US military officials.
This action is viewed as a recent enforcement measure under the US blockade that has been in effect since April 13, indicating increasing military pressure on maritime traffic linked to Iran.
According to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), the Palauan-flagged oil tanker M/T Marivex was moving through international waters in the Gulf of Oman towards Iran. At the time of the incident, the tanker was empty and contained no oil or other cargo.
CENTCOM stated that the vessel did not comply with instructions issued by US forces. Subsequently, an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet, operated from the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, executed a precise strike on the tanker’s engine and steering system.
The US military reported that following the attack, the vessel was unable to continue its journey. CENTCOM confirmed, “Marivex is no longer heading towards Iran.”
However, the US military did not provide any information regarding casualties from the incident. Details about the number of crew members, their nationalities, or any other damage to the ship were also not disclosed.
CENTCOM indicated that the tanker was attempting to reach an Iranian port despite the US blockade. The military also released details of actions taken since April 13, stating that seven vessels have been disabled for not adhering to blockade instructions, while 134 ships were redirected after compliance. Additionally, 42 vessels carrying humanitarian aid were allowed to continue their journeys.
The US military command did not specify which Iranian port the tanker was heading towards. No information was shared regarding the ship’s previous cargo records or any communications between the crew and US forces prior to the action.
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