US forces board ship to ensure 'compliance' with Iran blockade
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American forces boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday as part of the renewed blockade of Iran’s ports that began earlier this week, the US military said.
US Marines boarded the M/T Wen Yao “to ensure full compliance with the ongoing US naval blockade,” US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.
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.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 16, 2026
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
The previous day, a US aircraft fired on and disabled an unladen oil tanker that tried to break the blockade.
The military command also said Thursday it had “redirected 3 commercial vessels trying to run the blockade” since it took effect at 2000 GMT on Tuesday.
US forces previously blockaded Iranian ports from April 13 to June 18, during which time they disabled nine ships and redirected more than 140, according to CENTCOM.
