US Military Intercepts Tanker in Indian Ocean, Accusing It of Carrying Iranian Oil

WASHINGTON (AFP/CNA) — The U.S. Department of War stated today that U.S. forces conducted a boarding inspection of a tanker in the Indian Ocean, claiming the vessel was transporting oil from Iran. This marks the second such action by the U.S. military in three days.

In a post on the social media platform X, the Department of War wrote: 'U.S. forces conducted a maritime interception and boarding of the sanctioned, stateless vessel M/T Majestic X in the Indian Ocean, which was transporting oil from Iran.'

The post added that the United States would continue maritime law enforcement worldwide to dismantle illegal networks and intercept vessels providing material support to Iran, regardless of where they operate.

The post included a video showing U.S. personnel descending from a helicopter onto the deck of the large tanker. According to ship tracking data, the tanker was located in the Indian Ocean between Sri Lanka and Indonesia.

While a temporary ceasefire was brokered starting April 8, President Donald Trump announced an extension of the ceasefire on April 21 but maintained the U.S. military's blockade of Iranian ports.