US Fires on Oil Tankers Near Iran Amid Tensions

U.S. forces fired on two oil tankers flying Iranian flags on Friday. The military stated the tankers were stopped from reaching an Iranian port. This action was taken to enforce an American blockade in the region.

A U.S. Navy fighter jet used precision weapons to disable both tankers. The jet fired into their smokestacks. This action prevented the ships from entering Iran, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

The two tankers were identified as the M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda. CENTCOM also reported that a U.S. fighter jet disabled another Iran-flagged tanker, the M/T Hasna, on Wednesday. This happened as it tried to sail into an Iranian port.

The U.S. has been blockading Iranian ports since early April. This followed a failure to reach a peace agreement. Iran responded by blockading the Strait of Hormuz. It began charging ships not allied with Iran to pass through this vital waterway.

Both disabled oil tankers had turned off their tracking systems weeks ago. They were operating secretly. The M/T Sevda was last seen near the Malacca Strait, a known route for smuggling Iranian fuel, 27 days ago.

The M/T Sea Star III was in the same area over a month ago. U.S. military forces have intercepted more than 50 vessels. This is to ensure compliance with the blockade, CENTCOM stated.

Meanwhile, the U.S. was expecting a response from Iran on Friday. This was regarding a proposal for a peace deal. Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed hope for a serious offer.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baqaei, described the current truce with the U.S. as a "nominal ceasefire situation." He confirmed that Iran was reviewing the latest U.S. proposal for a peace deal.

Earlier on Friday, the United Arab Emirates reported its air defenses intercepted Iranian missiles and drones. Debris from these interceptions injured three people. The UAE has intercepted a significant number of Iranian projectiles since the conflict began.

Iran accused the U.S. of breaking the ceasefire. Iran stated that new strikes occurred on Friday. Iran condemned the U.S. military actions against its oil tankers and coastal areas. These actions, Iran said, violated the ceasefire understanding from April 8, 2026.

U.S. officials stated that Iran first attacked three U.S. warships in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The U.S. military responded with self-defense strikes on Iranian ports.

An Iranian official reported that 10 sailors were wounded and five were missing after a clash in the Strait of Hormuz. The official, Mohammad Radmehr, said a cargo vessel was struck and caught fire. U.S. Central Command confirmed Iranian forces attacked U.S. warships but stated none were hit.

Iran's military claimed it seized an oil tanker named the Ocean Koi. They stated the ship attempted to disrupt Iranian oil exports. However, tracking data showed the vessel off the coast of Oman for weeks. The ship has also been subject to U.S. sanctions under a previous name.

The Israeli military told residents of seven villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate. This was ahead of potential attacks. Fighting has continued between Israeli forces and Hezbollah despite a ceasefire.

Lebanon's Health Ministry reported that 2,759 people have been killed in Lebanon since March 2. Over a million people have been displaced by the fighting.