POLITICS

Gulf of Oman destroyer intercepts Iranian oil tankers

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Gulf of Oman — A U.S. Navy destroyer enforcing a new maritime blockade intercepted two oil tankers that had departed Iran’s Chabahar port on Tuesday and ordered them to turn back, according to Reuters. The destroyer contacted the tankers by radio as they transited the Gulf of Oman, but it was not immediately clear whether any further warnings were issued. The interception took place under an order that applies to vessels entering or exiting Iranian ports and coastal areas, while ships sailing to or from non-Iranian ports are not supposed to be stopped. No boardings were reported during this specific encounter. United States — The action is part of a broader U.S. Central Command operation that began at 10 a.m. ET on April 13, 2026, after President Donald Trump directed the Navy to block ships connected to Iranian ports. The blockade is one element of a wider U.S.-Iran standoff around the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy chokepoint that normally carries about one-fifth of global oil and gas trade. Reuters and AP reported that more than 10,000 U.S. troops are helping enforce the blockade, and that 14 ships turned around in the first three days rather than challenge it. U.S. officials have warned that ships attempting to force the blockade could face warning shots, boarding, or seizure.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.