The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has released images showing US Marines on the deck of an Islamic Republic-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. CENTCOM stated that the operation was conducted as part of the naval blockade against Iran to verify the vessel’s cargo.
Simultaneously, the US Secretary of Defense shared the footage, emphasising that the Islamic Republic does not control the Strait of Hormuz and that maritime transit through the waterway continues, except for vessels violating restrictions imposed by Washington.
In its statement accompanying the released images, CENTCOM announced that US Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the tanker M/T Wen Bao in the Gulf of Oman to conduct verification and inspection operations.
The command also reported that, to date, US forces have rerouted three commercial vessels attempting to bypass the naval blockade, disabled one vessel that refused to cooperate, and boarded another to ensure enforcement of the naval blockade against Iran.
CENTCOM concluded its statement by reiterating that the Strait of Hormuz and its surrounding waters remain open to shipping, but vessels attempting to violate the US-imposed naval blockade will face restrictions and direct intervention by US forces.
