US President Donald Trump issued threats of military action against Iran, suggesting the US could seize control of key Iranian oil facilities. Trump stated intentions to take over Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure points, drawing parallels to the situation in Venezuela. These remarks followed US forces disabling a third commercial tanker for allegedly violating the blockade against Iran.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported the disabling of a tanker in the Gulf of Oman carrying Iranian oil in violation of the blockade. The vessel, M/T Jalveer, was targeted after failing to comply with instructions from US forces, with two Hellfire missiles fired into its engine room. This incident marked the third commercial vessel disabled by US forces in the same week.
Earlier in the week, American aircraft disabled two other tankers, M/T Marivex and M/T Settebello, for attempting to engage in activities related to Iranian oil. CENTCOM disclosed that nine non-compliant vessels have been disabled, while 135 ships adhered to the blockade and 42 humanitarian aid vessels were allowed passage since the operation’s commencement on April 13.
The blockade enforced by CENTCOM applies to vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas, covering all Iranian ports in the Arabian Gulf and Gulf of Oman regions.
