US Military Disables Oil Tanker Headed for Iran... Reinforces Blockade at Strait of Hormuz

The U.S. military conducted an airstrike near the Strait of Hormuz, disabling an oil tanker that was attempting to break through the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran.

On June 8 (local time), U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced via X (formerly Twitter) that it had disabled the Palau-flagged oil tanker 'M/T Maribex,' which was heading toward Iran through international waters in the Gulf of Oman.

CENTCOM explained that crew members of the vessel did not comply with U.S. military orders, leading to the deployment of an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet from the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln. The fighter jet fired precision-guided munitions at the ship's engine room and wheelhouse. Following the strike, the Maribex reportedly ceased its voyage toward Iran.

The New York Times, citing maritime data company Windward, reported that the vessel is currently anchored off the coast of Oman. A fire broke out on the ship, and all crew members are known to have evacuated.

With this action, the total number of civilian merchant vessels disabled by U.S. military operations has risen to seven. CENTCOM stated that, to date, it has turned back 134 merchant ships and allowed passage for 42 ships carrying humanitarian aid.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.