U.S. forces struck two empty Iranian-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman on Friday, escalating pressure on Tehran’s shipping network even as Washington says a potential deal to halt the war could be close.

U.S.

Central Command said the vessels were attempting to violate the American naval blockade around Iranian ports.

According to CENTCOM, fighter aircraft disabled both tankers by firing precision munitions into their smokestacks.

A third Iranian-flagged vessel had already been disabled earlier this week. “All three vessels are no longer transiting to Iran,” Central Command said.