A U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the San Diego-based USS Abraham Lincoln disabled a tanker attempting to evade the American blockade of Iranian ports, Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on Monday.
The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman when the Palau-flagged M/T Marivex ignored repeated warnings to stop. According to a statement posted on X, the fighter jet "fired a precision munition into the ship’s engineering and steering spaces," effectively immobilizing the vessel.
CENTCOM confirmed that "Marivex is no longer sailing to Iran." This marks the seventh ship disabled by U.S. forces since the blockade began on April 13.
CENTCOM added that 134 ships have complied with the blockade and have been redirected away from Iranian ports. The USS Abraham Lincoln, one of two aircraft carriers currently deployed in the region, continues to support operations as diplomatic negotiations with Iran remain ongoing.
The action underscores the U.S. military's commitment to enforcing the blockade and preventing oil shipments to Iran amid heightened tensions.