The United States Department of War has confirmed that its forces intercepted an oil tanker linked to Iran in the Indian Ocean, in what it described as part of ongoing maritime enforcement operations targeting illicit shipping networks.
In a statement posted on social media platform X, the department said the vessel, identified as the “Majestic X,” was allegedly transporting crude oil originating from Iran when it was intercepted.
The U.S. authorities did not immediately provide further operational details regarding the interception, including the exact location, timing, or the current status of the tanker and its crew.
However, the department said the action forms part of broader efforts to disrupt what it called “illicit networks” involved in the movement of oil and other materials linked to Iran. It added that U.S. forces would continue global maritime operations aimed at interdicting vessels suspected of providing material support to Tehran.
“We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate,” the department said in its statement.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in maritime security routes in the Gulf and the Indian Ocean, where multiple Western countries have increased monitoring of oil shipments in recent years.