US Marines Board and Redirect Iranian-Flagged Tanker M/T Celestial Sea
US Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded and searched the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Celestial Sea in the Gulf of Oman on May 20, 2026. The vessel was suspected of attempting to violate the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. After a search, US Central Command (CENTCOM) directed the ship to alter its course. This interdiction is part of an ongoing blockade that has reportedly redirected 94 commercial vessels since early April 2026.
Date: May 20, 2026
Location: Iran
Conflict: US-Iran Conflict
Category: naval
Severity: HIGH
Source: Homeland Security Today