WASHINGTON: The United States (US) military said its forces boarded a commercial tanker in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday as part of operations to enforce Washington’s ongoing naval blockade against Iran.
In a statement posted on X, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said US Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit carried out a “verification boarding” of the motor tanker Wen Yao on 16 July.
U.S. Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conduct a verification boarding aboard M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman, July 16.
As of today, American forces have redirected 3 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade, disabled 1 that didn’t comply, and boarded 1 to… pic.twitter.com/vbjArHuLaO
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 16, 2026
According to CENTCOM, American naval forces have so far redirected three commercial vessels that were attempting to breach the blockade, disabled one vessel after it failed to comply with instructions, and boarded another to verify compliance with the restrictions.
The military said the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters remain open to international shipping, except for vessels attempting to violate America’s naval blockade against Iran.
CENTCOM did not provide further details about the cargo, ownership or destination of the Wen Yao, nor did it specify the circumstances under which the other vessels were intercepted.
The operation comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf region, where the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes for global energy supplies.
According to Reuters, the US Marines boarded a vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday for what the military described as a “verification” operation.
