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3. CENTCOM says U.S. Forces Disabled Iranian-Flagged Tankers in Gulf of Oman Blockade Enforcement

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced U.S. forces disabled multiple Iranian-flagged oil tankers this week as part of ongoing blockade enforcement measures aimed at preventing vessels from entering Iranian ports via the Gulf of Oman.

In a statement, CENTCOM said the operation targeted the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda on May 8, as both vessels attempted to approach an Iranian port in alleged violation of the U.S. blockade. According to the statement, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) fired precision munitions into the tankers’ smokestacks, disabling them before they could enter Iranian waters.

CENTCOM added that a third Iranian-flagged vessel, the M/T Hasna, was disabled earlier on May 6 while attempting a similar transit toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. In that case, an F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72) reportedly fired 20mm cannon rounds, disabling the vessel’s rudder and halting its movement.

“All three vessels are no longer transiting to Iran,” the statement said.

The U.S. military said the actions are part of broader enforcement operations targeting maritime traffic linked to Iran. According to CENTCOM, more than 50 commercial vessels have been redirected and several others disabled in recent operations aimed at ensuring compliance with the blockade.

U.S. Central Command commander Adm. Brad Cooper said U.S. forces remain committed to enforcing maritime restrictions in the region.

“U.S. forces in the Middle East remain committed to full enforcement of the blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran,” Cooper said. “Our highly trained men and women in uniform are doing incredible work.”

The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where maritime security and freedom of navigation remain key points of friction between Washington and Tehran.