US Forces Disable Iranian Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Oman, Says CENTCOM

According to a statement released by the US Central Command, American forces intercepted and disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker travelling towards Iran through international waters.

The incident occurred on Wednesday morning when the vessel, identified as Hasna, was heading towards an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. US officials said the tanker was unladen at the time of the encounter.

According to the statement, the crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings issued by US forces. In response, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln fired multiple rounds from its 20 mm cannon, damaging the ship’s rudder and preventing it from continuing its journey.

US Central Command said the tanker was no longer proceeding towards Iran following the operation.

American authorities also reiterated that the maritime blockade targeting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports remains active.

The action came a day after US President Donald Trump announced that the Pentagon would stop escort operations for commercial ships travelling through the Strait of Hormuz. He said the US would continue restrictions linked to Iranian ports.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had suffered major destruction during the recent conflict. He alleged that the attacks had destroyed Iranian naval assets and weakened its air force.

Trump also claimed the strikes had severely damaged much of Iran’s missile systems, radar infrastructure and air defence network.

“Their leaders are all dead. So, I think we won,” Trump said.

Despite the tensions, the US President indicated that diplomatic engagement with Iran was still continuing. He said recent discussions between Washington and Tehran had been positive and suggested a possible agreement could still emerge.

“They want to make a deal badly,” Trump said, adding that talks over the past 24 hours had gone well.

Trump also dismissed claims that Iran had completely refused negotiations. He repeated his position that Tehran must never possess nuclear weapons.

“They can’t have nuclear weapons, it’s very simple,” he said.

Also Read: Iran Open To Diplomacy But Distrusts US, Says President Pezeshkian