Smoke Billows From Tanker After Being Struck by US Fighter Jet Near Iran

United States forces disabled an empty oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Monday (8/6/2026) after the vessel attempted to sail towards a port in Iran, which Washington claims violated the ongoing blockade against the country. A total of 24 crew members from India were stranded on the ship before being evacuated using Omani naval helicopters.

Footage released on Tuesday (9/6/2026) shows smoke billowing from the tanker M/T Marivex following the strike. Crew members were seen standing on the deck observing the condition of the vessel. The India Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Mumbai worked alongside Omani authorities to ensure the evacuation process was carried out safely, according to the Indian Coast Guard.

In its statement, the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the Palau-flagged M/T Marivex was targeted while sailing through international waters in the Gulf of Oman towards Iran. Vessel tracking data from 8 June shows the ship was off the coast of Oman when the incident occurred.

CENTCOM noted that an F/A-18 Super Hornet, launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln, fired precision munitions into the ship’s engine room and steering systems. The action was taken after the crew reportedly failed to comply with instructions provided by United States forces.

The US blockade of Iranian ports has been in effect since last April, after Tehran significantly restricted shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s primary oil and gas trade routes. According to CENTCOM, these restrictions apply to vessels heading to or originating from Iran, but do not include ships merely transiting the strait towards destinations outside of Iran.