US Central Command says it disabled oil tanker in Gulf of Oman

BASRA, Iraq — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Thursday that it disabled the Guinea-Bissau-flagged oil tanker "Gulfir" in the Gulf of Oman, accusing the vessel of attempting to transport Iranian oil in violation of sanctions on Iran. In a written statement, CENTCOM said the crew ignored multiple redirect orders from U.S. forces, prompting an American helicopter to fire two Hellfire missiles at the ship, targeting its engine room. The command added that two commercial ships, the Palau-flagged "Marivix" and "Seitheo," were also intercepted earlier in the week, with the first said to be heading toward an Iranian port and the second accused of carrying Iranian oil. According to CENTCOM, since a maritime embargo took effect on April 13, nine tankers have been disabled, 135 vessels have been redirected, and 42 humanitarian aid ships have been allowed passage. The statement said the embargo applies to all vessels entering or exiting Iran's ports and coastal areas along the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.