US Military Disabled Two Tankers Attempting to Reach Iranian Port

In a significant escalation of maritime tensions in the strategically vital Gulf of Oman, the United States military has confirmed the disabling of two Iranian-flagged oil tankers, the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that its forces intervened on Friday, May 8, preventing the vessels from entering an Iranian port in what it claims was a violation of an ongoing US blockade.

“

US forces disabled M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda on May 8, prior to both vessels entering an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman in violation of the ongoing US blockade.

The operation involved a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, launched from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush. Precision munitions were reportedly fired into the tankers' smokestacks, effectively neutralizing their ability to proceed. This action is part of a broader pattern of US military engagement in the region, aimed at asserting control over maritime traffic and enforcing its stated blockade policies.

This incident is not isolated. CENTCOM also reported disabling a third Iranian-flagged tanker, the M/T Hasna, on May 6, as it was also attempting to sail towards an Iranian port. The combined actions mean that all three vessels are now confirmed to be no longer transiting towards Iran, underscoring the US military's asserted authority in this sensitive waterway. The Gulf of Oman remains a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, making any disruption or assertion of control a matter of international concern.

“

A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN-77) acted, firing precision munitions into the ships’ smokestacks to prevent them from proceeding.

From the perspective of the Arab Times, this event highlights the continued friction between the US and Iran in a region crucial for global energy supplies. While the US frames its actions as enforcing a blockade and preventing violations, Iran likely views these interventions as aggressive acts aimed at disrupting its economic activities and asserting American dominance. The disabling of these tankers, particularly the use of precision munitions, sends a clear message about the US military's capabilities and its willingness to employ them in this contested maritime space. The narrative from Washington focuses on compliance with blockades, but from our vantage point, it represents a direct challenge to Iranian maritime interests and regional stability.

“

All three vessels are no longer transiting to Iran.