US Navy disables oil tanker bound for Kharg Island
U.S. naval forces intercepted and disabled an empty oil tanker attempting to enter Iranian waters bound for the Kharg Island terminal. This incident represents the first physical enforcement of the newly reinstated U.S. naval blockade on Iranian petroleum exports. The blockade follows a breakdown in regional truce efforts and a series of Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, Iran has signaled intent to close the Bab el-Mandeb chokepoint.