US Forces Interdict Iranian Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean

COLOMBO (News 1st); The United States Department of War announced that U.S. forces overnight carried out a maritime interdiction and right‑of‑visit boarding of a sanctioned, stateless vessel transporting oil from Iran in the Indian Ocean.

According to the statement, the vessel identified as M/T Majestic X was intercepted within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo‑Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). The operation involved boarding the vessel as part of enforcement actions targeting illicit maritime activity linked to Iran.

The Department of War said the United States will continue global maritime enforcement operations aimed at disrupting illicit networks and interdicting vessels that provide material support to Iran, wherever such activity occurs.

The statement emphasized that international waters cannot be used as a shield by sanctioned actors. The Department of War said it remains committed to denying illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.