U.S. Military Takes Action Against Tanker in Gulf of Oman
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the U.S. military has disabled a tanker in the Gulf of Oman due to attempts to breach the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
The vessel, named M/T Lavigne and flagged from Mozambique, had been warned multiple times and was confronted by U.S. forces before it was rendered inoperable on Friday, according to a military statement released on Saturday.
CENTCOM spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins shared with the press that U.S. troops fired at the ship’s engine room. Footage from CENTCOM showed the ship being struck by artillery and subsequently catching fire.
“The ship is no longer sailing to Iran,” CENTCOM stated. “The U.S. military remains highly alert, focused, lethal, and ready.”
Moreover, CENTCOM highlighted that the naval blockade against Iran remains firmly in place. As of July 25, 12 merchant vessels attempting to violate the blockade have been diverted, two have been disabled, and two more boarded to check for compliance.
On the same day, the U.S. military also conducted a boarding operation on another ship in the Arabian Sea, allowing the Comoros-flagged M/T Charminar to continue its journey.
M/T Lavigne marks the second vessel to have been incapacitated since the reestablishment of the U.S. naval blockade on July 14. The day after, the military used a Hellfire missile on the chimney of the Curaçao-registered M/T Velma, which was trying to breach the blockade on its way to Kharg Island.
In addition to the vessels rendered inoperative, CENTCOM announced the redirection of 12 ships and boarding of two others aimed at enforcing the blockade.
While operations against potential breaches of the blockade continue, as of now, there haven’t been new attacks against Iran since Thursday, despite a recent period of sustained conflict.
President Donald Trump mentioned ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran but expressed skepticism about their immediate success.
“By the way, they’re talking to us right now. They want to make a deal, but I don’t think they’re ready for it. I don’t think it’s time yet. But I’m willing to listen,” the commander remarked.
