Tensions Rise as US Targets Oil Tanker Heading to Iran

The United States military has shot at and disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman due to its violation of a blockade against Iran. The tanker was en route to Iran at the time of the incident, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM stated that the Palau-flagged tanker, M/T Marivex, was disabled while traversing international waters in the Gulf of Oman towards Iran on Monday (8/6) local time. An F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired precision munitions at the ship’s engine and steering compartments after the crew failed to comply with instructions from US forces.

“Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran,” CENTCOM added. Since the blockade commenced on 13 April, CENTCOM has disabled seven ships, diverted 134 vessels, and permitted 42 ships carrying humanitarian aid to pass through.