US warhead disables Iranian tanker in Gulf blockade

Tensions in strategic Middle Eastern waters escalated on Wednesday as the US military confirmed it had neutralized an Iranian-flagged crude carrier transiting the Gulf of Oman. The Pentagon’s Central Command (CENTCOM) said the M/T Hasna was intercepted while sailing toward an Iranian port, violating an active American naval embargo.

Airstrike from USS Abraham Lincoln

CENTCOM reported that a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, launched from the USS Abraham Lincoln, fired several 20mm cannon rounds at the tanker’s rudder after its crew disregarded multiple warnings. “Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran,” the command stated, adding that the blockade against vessels heading to or from Iranian ports remains “in full effect.”

Background of rising Gulf hostilities

The maritime confrontation follows weeks of heightened volatility after US and Israeli strikes against Iranian targets on February 28, which prompted Tehran to retaliate against Israel and American allies in the Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz was subsequently closed, disrupting global oil flows. A fragile ceasefire mediated by Pakistan took effect on April 8, but talks in Islamabad failed to secure a lasting deal. The truce was later extended indefinitely by US President Donald Trump.

Ongoing blockade

Since April 13, Washington has enforced a naval blockade targeting Iranian shipping. While Trump announced a temporary pause on “Project Freedom” — an initiative aimed at restoring safe commercial passage through the Strait — he insisted the blockade itself stays fully in place.