US Disables Third Tanker Violating Iran Blockade in Gulf of Oman- CENTCOM Says

U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on June 10 after it tried to carry Iranian oil, the third commercial ship disabled this week, U.S. Central Command said.

A U.S. aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the M/T Jalveer, a Guinea-Bissau-flagged tanker, after the crew repeatedly ignored directions from U.S. forces, CENTCOM said. The strike came at 11:20 p.m. ET.

The command said the Jalveer violated the blockade against Iran by trying to move Iranian oil through the Gulf of Oman.

U.S. aircraft disabled two Palau-flagged tankers earlier in the week. The M/T Marivex was hit Monday after attempting to sail to an Iranian port, and the M/T Settebello was hit Tuesday after attempting to carry Iranian oil, according to CENTCOM.

Nine noncompliant vessels disabled, 135 ships redirected and 42 humanitarian vessels allowed to pass since the blockade began April 13 — U.S. Central Command

American forces have disabled nine noncompliant vessels since the blockade began April 13, CENTCOM said. Forces have also redirected 135 ships that complied with orders and let 42 vessels supporting humanitarian aid pass.

The command said it is enforcing the blockade impartially against ships of all nations entering or leaving Iranian ports and coastal areas, including Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.