U.S. military disables oil tanker in Gulf of Oman for violating blockade

The U.S. military disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Monday after the vessel attempted to reach an Iranian port in violation of the blockade, Central Command said. An F/A-18 Super Hornet from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln fired a precision strike into the engineering and steering spaces of the Palau-flagged M/T Marivex after the tanker failed to comply with instructions.

Central Command stated that the Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran.

Background on the blockade President Trump imposed the maritime blockade on Iran to apply economic pressure and improve negotiating leverage. Negotiators are working on an agreement that would lift the blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade has reduced Iran's ability to export oil and generate revenue, with reports of rising inflation and unemployment inside the country.

Recent developments Efforts to reach a deal on Iran's nuclear program were complicated Monday by an exchange of fire between Iran and Israel. Both nations agreed, under pressure from the United States, to continue talks. President Trump said the blockade will remain in place while negotiations continue.

Central Command reported that it has disabled seven noncompliant vessels, redirected 134 ships that complied with the blockade, and allowed 42 vessels carrying humanitarian aid to pass since the blockade began on April 13.