The U.S. intercepted a tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean
U.S. military forces in the Indian Ocean conducted a nighttime operation during which they intercepted an oil tanker carrying oil that, according to the U.S., originated in Iran. The vessel was taken into custody in international waters, with officials stating that it was subject to sanctions. Officials in Washington emphasize that such actions will continue in the future.
The operation took place within the Indo-Pacific Command’s area of responsibility. U.S. forces boarded the stateless vessel, inspected it, and subsequently took control of the ship.
The vessel in question is the tanker M/T Majestic X, which, according to U.S. officials, was transporting oil from Iran in violation of existing sanctions. The Pentagon emphasized that international waters cannot be used to circumvent restrictions and finance illicit networks.
Overnight, U.S. forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Majestic X transporting oil from Iran, in the Indian Ocean within the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.
We will continue global maritime enforcement to… pic.twitter.com/SWF6Jt9Ci4— Department of War (@DeptofWar) April 23, 2026
“We will continue operations aimed at stopping shipments that support Iran’s sanctions regimes,” the U.S. Department of Defense stated. Washington also emphasized that monitoring of such routes will be intensified, and vessels involved in transporting sanctioned oil may continue to be intercepted at sea.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had ordered the Navy to open fire on any vessels laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran stated that a possible ceasefire in the war with the U.S. would only make sense if the naval blockade is lifted and Israel ceases hostilities.
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington is not setting strict deadlines for reaching a ceasefire or resuming negotiations with Iran.
Prior to this, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran has repeatedly violated the ceasefire since it was established between Washington and Tehran. According to Trump, there have been numerous incidents that cast doubt on Iran’s compliance with the ceasefire agreements.
Trumpexpressed his willingness to meet personally with Iran’s new leadership.
