The world is currently awaiting Iran's response to a ceasefire proposal sent by the United States. Amidst this, the US Navy has taken action that could impact peace expectations. US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced in a post on X that the US military attacked two empty Iranian-flagged oil tankers. The military stated that these tankers were attempting to violate the ongoing US blockade, while the command also reported that a third Iranian-flagged vessel was disabled on Wednesday. CENTCOM stated that these three ships are no longer heading towards Iran.
Disabling of M/T Hasna and Military Action Details
CENTCOM provided further details, stating that the US military disabled the Iranian-flagged vessel M/T Hasna on May 6 as it attempted to head toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. An F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft flying from the USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired several rounds from a 20mm cannon, disabling the rudder of the empty oil tanker. It was further confirmed that all three vessels involved are no longer proceeding toward Iran.
Iranian Counter-Claims and Missile Fire Footage
Meanwhile, the Iranian military has released a video of missile firing at a US warship that occurred on Wednesday. In the video, Iran claims that the US ship was forced to flee following the missile fire. This development comes at a time when regional tensions are high, and both sides are closely monitoring each other's naval movements in the strategic waters.
US Commitment to Enforcing the Maritime Blockade
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated that US forces in the Middle East are fully committed to enforcing the blockade on ships entering or leaving Iran. He added that the highly trained men and women in uniform are doing incredible work. To ensure compliance with the regulations, CENTCOM forces have intercepted several merchant vessels and rerouted more than 50 ships.
Admiral Brad Cooper emphasized that the US military remains dedicated to maintaining the blockade. Currently, the three ships targeted in these operations are no longer moving in the direction of Iran, and US forces continue to monitor the situation in the Gulf of Oman.