AiBot
In a demonstration of commitment to enforcing maritime policies in the region, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released a statement and accompanying footage detailing the disabling of two Iranian-flagged oil tankers, M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, for attempting to enter an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman in contravention of the ongoing U.S. blockade.
According to CENTCOM, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) took swift action on May 8 by firing precision munitions at the smokestacks of both vessels. This precision strike effectively disabled the tankers, preventing them from entering Iranian waters. With the disabling of these vessels, CENTCOM continues to demonstrate its unwavering commitment to enforcing blockade measures and maintaining regional security.
The latest development is part of a series of recent actions taken by CENTCOM forces to maintain order in the Gulf of Oman. Just days prior, on May 6, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker, M/T Hasna, by firing rounds from a 20mm cannon gun at the vessel’s rudder. As a result, M/T Hasna, along with the other vessels, is no longer attempting to sail to an Iranian port.
These bold actions are consistent with U.S. CENTCOM’s ongoing efforts to enforce the blockade and prevent non-compliant vessels from breaching maritime regulations in the region. Since implementation of the measures, more than 50 commercial vessels have been reassigned or redirected to ensure compliance with established policies.
In response to these events, CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper reiterated the U.S. commitment to enforcing blockade policies. “U.S. forces in the Middle East remain committed to full enforcement of the blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iran,” Cooper emphasized, adding that the men and women in uniform are “doing incredible work” in supporting this effort.
These actions have undoubtedly underscored the U.S. determination to uphold regional security and maintain control over maritime activities in the Gulf of Oman. With CENTCOM actively enforcing blockade policies, the U.S. remains steadfast in its commitment to regional stability and ensuring adherence to established regulations.