US Disables Three Iranian‑Flagged Tankers Under Gulf Blockade

US forces disabled three Iranian‑flagged tankers in the Gulf of Oman using fighter jets, enforcing a blockade on vessels entering Iranian ports. The strikes involved precision munitions and cannon fire, leaving the ships unable to operate. The move comes amid heightened tensions in the region, even as diplomatic discussions between Washington and Tehran continue. Make us preferred on Google Flip Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied This US Navy photo released by US Central Command public affairs shows Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Thomas Hudner (DDG 116) firing a Tomahawk land attack missile in support of Operation Epic Fury, from an undisclosed location on March 1, 2026. (Photo by US Central Command (CENTCOM) / AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google US forces have disabled three Iranian ‑flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman as part of efforts to enforce a maritime blockade targeting vessels entering Iranian ports, the Central Command of the United States Armed Forces (CENTCOM) said. According to a statement posted on X , the tankers Sea Star III and Sevda were disabled on May 8, while a third vessel, Hasna, was struck on May 6. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . CENTCOM said US Navy F/A‑18 Super Hornet fighter jets executed the operations from the aircraft carriers USS George H.W. Bush and USS Abraham Lincoln. In both cases, the vessels were not carrying cargo. The military said the two tankers targeted on May 8 were disabled using precision munitions fired into their smokestacks, making them unable to continue their voyage. The earlier operation on the Hasna involved disabling the ship’s rudder with 20‑millimeter cannon fire, preventing it from reaching its destination. “All three vessels are no longer transiting to Iran,” CENTCOM said. US officials described the operation as part of a broader campaign to ensure compliance with blockade measures. According to the command, more than 50 commercial vessels have been redirected and several others disabled to enforce restrictions. “US forces in the Middle East remain committed to full enforcement of the blockade,” CENTCOM commander Adm. Brad Cooper said, adding that military personnel are continuing operations in the region. Other Topics of Interest Rubio Says US Weighing Global Commitments, Urges Action on Iran Nuclear Threat US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington is reassessing global military commitments while maintaining pressure on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and supporting Ukraine diplomacy. He described mediation efforts in the Russia‑Ukraine war as stalled but said the US remains ready to act if progress becomes possible. The actions come amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran in the Persian Gulf, a region that remains critical to global energy flows. Earlier on Friday , Tehran’s forces attacked three American destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Washington and Tehran have been discussing potential arrangements including a temporary ceasefire and the reopening of maritime routes, though no agreement has been finalized. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.