MUSCAT/DUBAI: US forces have disabled an unladen oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to proceed towards an Iranian port, in what was described as a violation of the ongoing blockade against Iran, according to a post shared by Reuters.
The incident left 24 Indian crew members stranded aboard the vessel, raising immediate concerns over their safety amid rising tensions in the strategically sensitive maritime corridor.
US forces disabled an unladen oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to sail to an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing blockade against Iran, leaving 24 Indian crew members stranded aboard before they were rescued by Omani naval helicopters https://t.co/k1m2Qa0hdP pic.twitter.com/qcuO8r0DD2
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 9, 2026
According to the report, the tanker was intercepted after it changed course and allegedly attempted to sail towards an Iranian destination. US forces are said to have taken action to disable the vessel, rendering it unable to continue its voyage.
Following the intervention, the situation escalated into a maritime rescue operation. Omani naval helicopters were deployed to evacuate the stranded crew members from the disabled tanker. The 24 Indian nationals on board were safely rescued and brought to security, according to the information cited.
The Gulf of Oman, a critical passage linking the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz, has frequently been a focal point of geopolitical tension, particularly involving maritime security operations and enforcement actions in relation to Iran.
The latest development adds to the already complex security environment in the region, where commercial shipping routes remain under close monitoring by regional and international naval forces.
Authorities have not yet released further technical details regarding the method used to disable the vessel or the condition of the tanker following the intervention. Likewise, no official confirmation has been issued by the countries directly involved at the time of reporting.
The rescue of the Indian crew members has, however, been confirmed as successful, with no immediate reports of casualties or injuries.
