The US says its forces have boarded a sanctioned ship carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean in the country's latest naval move against Iran. The US Department of Defence (DoD) stated it had carried out a 'maritime interdiction' on the M/T Majestic X. This action followed a blockade imposed by the US on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports on April 13.
The latest interception follows President Donald Trump's order for the US Navy to take extensive measures, including 'shoot and kill' any vessels laying mines in the critical shipping channel of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the blockade's implementation, US Central Command (Centcom) has instructed 33 vessels to return to port and stated that it will continue to target ships alleged to provide material support to Iran, regardless of their location.
Iran has referred to some of these interceptions as 'piracy'. Trump aims to pressure Tehran by targeting its oil revenues, as Iran has reportedly collected tolls from vessels navigating through the strait. During a White House address, Trump claimed the blockade was '100% effective' and that Iran is 'getting no business.' He emphasized that the strait would only reopen if a deal is reached, dismissing a prior Iranian offer to do so.
Additionally, reports have surfaced alleging the capture of two cargo ships by Iran. However, Greek authorities have contradicted these claims, confirming that the Epaminondas remains under the captain's control while both vessels' transponders have been turned off. The continued high stakes in the Strait of Hormuz are paramount as tensions grow amidst conflicting reports and escalating naval maneuvers.
The latest interception follows President Donald Trump's order for the US Navy to take extensive measures, including 'shoot and kill' any vessels laying mines in the critical shipping channel of the Strait of Hormuz. Since the blockade's implementation, US Central Command (Centcom) has instructed 33 vessels to return to port and stated that it will continue to target ships alleged to provide material support to Iran, regardless of their location.
Iran has referred to some of these interceptions as 'piracy'. Trump aims to pressure Tehran by targeting its oil revenues, as Iran has reportedly collected tolls from vessels navigating through the strait. During a White House address, Trump claimed the blockade was '100% effective' and that Iran is 'getting no business.' He emphasized that the strait would only reopen if a deal is reached, dismissing a prior Iranian offer to do so.
Additionally, reports have surfaced alleging the capture of two cargo ships by Iran. However, Greek authorities have contradicted these claims, confirming that the Epaminondas remains under the captain's control while both vessels' transponders have been turned off. The continued high stakes in the Strait of Hormuz are paramount as tensions grow amidst conflicting reports and escalating naval maneuvers.
