By William Emily l Date: May 7, 2026
The United States military said on Wednesday that one of its Navy fighter jets disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel allegedly attempted to violate Washington’s ongoing blockade of Iranian ports. The incident marks the second direct US military action against a commercial vessel since the blockade was imposed in April amid escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Iranian-flagged tanker identified as the M/T Hasna ignored repeated warnings issued by American forces while attempting to continue toward Iranian waters. The US military stated that an F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired multiple rounds from its 20mm cannon, successfully disabling the ship’s rudder and forcing it to stop its movement.
CENTCOM said the vessel was unladen at the time of the encounter and that no casualties were immediately reported following the operation. In a statement posted on social media platform X, the military command said the tanker “failed to comply” with orders and was intercepted to enforce the blockade that remains “in full effect.”
The blockade on Iranian ports was introduced by Washington on April 13 after diplomatic negotiations in Pakistan reportedly failed to produce a breakthrough in efforts to end the widening regional conflict. Since then, the United States has intensified naval patrols across the Gulf region and the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important shipping lanes for oil and gas exports.
Wednesday’s confrontation follows a similar incident on April 19 involving another Iranian-flagged vessel, the M/V Touska. According to CENTCOM, the ship ignored warnings from a US destroyer before American forces directed the crew to evacuate the engine room. The destroyer later fired multiple rounds into the vessel’s engine compartment, disabling it.
The current maritime crisis stems from the broader war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, which intensified after the launch of the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran on February 28. Tehran later responded by disrupting shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of major disruptions to global energy markets and international trade.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, handling a substantial portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Any military escalation in the area has immediate consequences for international energy prices and shipping insurance costs. Analysts have warned that continued confrontations between US forces and Iranian-linked vessels could further destabilize the Gulf region and increase the risk of broader conflict.
CENTCOM also disclosed earlier this week that more than 50 commercial ships had either turned around or returned to port in compliance with the blockade measures. Several shipping firms have reportedly rerouted vessels away from Iranian waters due to security concerns and fears of military engagement.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions continue behind the scenes. International mediators, including Gulf states and European officials, have urged both Washington and Tehran to avoid further escalation and return to negotiations aimed at restoring stability in the region.