The US military says it has intercepted and disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to breach a US-enforced maritime blockade and head toward an Iranian port.
In a statement, US Central Command said the vessel, identified as M T Hasna, was detected moving through international waters toward Iran earlier in the day. American forces issued multiple warnings, informing the ship that it was in violation of the blockade. According to CENTCOM, the crew failed to respond to repeated calls.
The US military said a Navy F A-18 fighter jet, operating from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, then fired 20 millimetre rounds at the vessel, targeting and disabling its rudder. Officials said the action prevented the tanker from continuing its course. CENTCOM added in a statement, “Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran”, and reiterated that the blockade on vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports remains fully in effect.
There has been no immediate response from Iranian authorities regarding the incident. The development comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with increased military activity at sea and ongoing diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran to reach a broader understanding.
