Bangkok: The US military intercepted the oil tanker MT Marivex in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to enter an Iranian port, violating a U.S. maritime blockade. Twenty-four Indian crew members were stranded on board, but the Omani navy evacuated them all safely ashore via helicopter. Video footage released on Tuesday showed thick smoke billowing from the ship.
According to Thai News Agency, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) revealed that the Palauan-flagged ship, which was not yet carrying oil, was detected sailing in international waters en route to Iran. When the crew refused to heed warnings, F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln fired high-precision guided missiles at the engine room and ship's steering system, immediately halting the vessel. This operation was closely coordinated with the Indian and Omani Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers to expedite the rescue of the crew.
The US blockade of Iranian ports began in April in retaliation for Iran's restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy transport route. However, US officials insist that the blockade only applies to ships bound for or from Iran and will not affect general commercial vessels traveling through these waters to other countries.