US forces have raided an Iranian tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it was “suspected of attempting to violate the US blockade. The tanker, identified as the M/T Celestial Sea, was stopped while en route to an Iranian port, where U.S. forces boarded and inspected the vessel before allowing it to depart and directing the crew to alter course.
US Central Command confirmed the operation took place on Wednesday but did not disclose further information about the suspected blockade violation or the nature of the ship’s cargo.The US Central Command said in an update on X: “Earlier today in the Gulf of Oman, U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded M/T Celestial Sea, an Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker suspected of attempting to violate the US blockade by transiting toward an Iranian port.
“American forces released the vessel after searching and directing the ship’s crew to alter course. US forces continue to fully enforce the blockade and have now redirected 91 commercial ships to ensure compliance.”
