Video: U.S. Navy Disables 2 More Iranian-flagged Oil Tankers In Gulf Of Oman
Our take
The recent intervention by U.S. forces in disabling two Iranian-flagged oil tankers, the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, in the Gulf of Oman underscores the escalating tensions in one of the world's most strategically vital waterways. This incident follows closely on the heels of U.S. Navy Warplane Disables Iranian Tanker After Repeated Warnings Over Naval Blockade Violation and occurs against the backdrop of Iranian Navy Seizes Oil Tanker In Gulf Of Oman As US Disables 2 Ships Near Hormuz, highlighting a dangerous pattern of reciprocal maritime confrontations. These events unfold within a complex web of international sanctions, regional power dynamics, and competing claims over navigation rights and economic sovereignty. As demonstrated in U.S. Navy Shares Audio Of Sailor Diverting Merchant Ship In Gulf Of Oman While Enforcing Blockade, the diplomatic and operational channels remain active, yet the underlying conflicts persist.
What emerges from these successive incidents is not merely a series of isolated maritime encounters, but a systemic challenge to the established norms of freedom of navigation and international maritime law. The Gulf of Oman, through which approximately one-third of the world's seaborne oil shipments transit, has become a flashpoint where geopolitical rivalries manifest in direct confrontations at sea. Each escalation erodes the predictability that commercial shipping, regional stability, and global energy markets depend upon. The disabling of these vessels signals a shift toward more assertive interdiction tactics, raising questions about the legal frameworks that govern such actions and the accountability mechanisms that should constrain them.
From a broader perspective, these events illuminate the intersection of environmental stewardship and geopolitical instability, as oil tankers carrying potentially hazardous cargoes operate in an increasingly volatile environment. The risk of accidental spills, structural damage, or crew casualties escalates with each high-stakes encounter. Moreover, the economic ripple effects extend far beyond the immediate parties involved, influencing insurance premiums, routing decisions, and the operational costs borne by legitimate maritime commerce. Understanding these cascading impacts requires a calibrated approach that balances security imperatives with the principles of international cooperation that have historically safeguarded global sea lanes.
Moving forward, the international community must grapple with how to de-escalate tensions without compromising core security interests or abandoning the rule of law that underpins stable maritime operations. Will emerging diplomatic frameworks succeed where previous efforts have fallen short, or will the pattern of confrontation persist in different forms?
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said US naval forces disabled two more Iranian-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on May 8 as part of the ongoing blockade against Iran.
According to CENTCOM, the vessels, M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, were trying to enter an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman before US forces intervened. Both vessels were unladen at the time of the operation.
CENTCOM said a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) fired precision munitions into the smokestacks of both tankers, disabling the ships before they could reach Iranian territory.
In an official statement, CENTCOM said the action formed part of ongoing blockade enforcement measures targeting vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.
U.S. Navy F/A-18s disabled three Iranian-flagged tankers attempting to breach the blockade on the Gulf of Oman.
M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda were hit with precision munitions to their smokestacks on May 8. M/T Hasna had its rudder taken out by 20mm cannon fire on May 6. None… pic.twitter.com/b3tCLHKDEL
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) May 8, 2026
The latest operation follows another incident on May 6 involving the Iranian-flagged tanker M/T Hasna.
According to CENTCOM, an F/A-18 Super Hornet operating from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) disabled the vessel after firing several 20mm cannon rounds at its rudder while it attempted to sail towards an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman.
CENTCOM confirmed that all three vessels were no longer transiting to Iran following the operations.
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of CENTCOM, said US forces in the Middle East remained committed to fully enforcing the blockade against vessels entering or leaving Iran.
He stated that American military personnel were continuing blockade enforcement operations across the region.
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said US forces in the Middle East remained committed to enforcing the blockade against vessels entering or leaving Iran.
He said American military personnel were continuing operations across the region.
The command also said multiple commercial vessels had been disabled during the blockade, while 57 ships had been redirected to ensure compliance.
In a post on X, CENTCOM shared photographs of USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and USS Mason (DDG 87) operating in the Arabian Sea in support of blockade operations.
Photos of USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS Mason (DDG 87) operating in the Middle East. The three destroyers are currently sailing in the Arabian Sea supporting the blockade against Iran. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 57 commercial… pic.twitter.com/iFHp1HHMac
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 8, 2026
According to CENTCOM, four vessels have been disabled since the blockade began on April 13.
The command also said more than 70 tankers were currently being prevented from entering or leaving Iranian ports.
CENTCOM stated that these vessels have the capacity to transport more than 166 million barrels of Iranian oil worth over USD 13 billion.
Tensions continue in regional waters despite a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Iranian media also reported occasional clashes involving US forces in the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM had earlier announced that US forces intercepted and seized the Iranian-flagged vessel M/V Touska on April 19 after the ship allegedly violated the blockade and ignored repeated warnings from a US destroyer.
Shipping activity in the region remains under pressure as both Washington and Tehran continue enforcing their respective blockade measures.
Iran’s restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz have affected one of the world’s busiest oil shipping routes, while diplomatic talks between the two sides remain stalled.
Operation Details
The Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz remain among the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, handling a major share of global crude oil exports and tanker traffic.
CENTCOM said the disabled vessels were Iranian-flagged unladen oil tankers. In maritime operations, “unladen” refers to tankers sailing without cargo onboard.
The US Navy used F/A-18 Super Hornet carrier-based fighter aircraft during the operations.
The aircraft is designed for combat missions at sea and is regularly used for air strikes, fleet protection and maritime security operations from aircraft carriers deployed in conflict regions.
According to CENTCOM, precision munitions were fired into the smokestacks of two tankers, while 20mm cannon rounds targeted the rudder of another vessel to disable its steering capability without sinking the ship.
The blockade operations are being supported by multiple US Navy destroyers operating in the Arabian Sea, including the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta and USS Mason.
Reference: US Centcom
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