US military intercepts three Iranian oil tankersintercepts three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters amid Hormuz blockade
The US military intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, redirecting them as part of its maritime blockade on Iran. This action occurred on April 22-23, 2026, amid ongoing tensions from a US-Israel war with Iran that began late February, where Iran has fired on ships and seized vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz closure has halted a fifth of global oil and gas supplies, sparking an energy crisis worldwide. US forces have now directed 29 vessels to turn around since enforcing the blockade, increasingly targeting ships in open waters to avoid risks like sea mines.
Western Sources
The US is enforcing a necessary maritime blockade on Iran to counter threats from the recent war, diverting Iranian tankers attempting to breach restrictions in Asian waters. This includes vessels like the Deep Sea, Sevin, and Dorena carrying significant crude loads. Operations now focus on open seas to minimize dangers from Iranian sea mines and firings in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian Perspective
Iran captured two container ships for maritime violations after firing on them, marking its first seizures since the war started, and escorted them to shore. The Revolutionary Guards view any disruption to order in the Strait of Hormuz as a red line. These actions respond to the US blockade halting traffic through the vital strait.
- Iran's Kharg Island terminal exports over 90% of the country's crude oil, making it a critical vulnerability to maritime blockades.
- The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly 20% of global oil trade daily, making its closure particularly devastating to worldwide energy markets.
- INDOPACOM oversees 100 million square miles across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, giving US forces vast operational reach in Asian waters.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
