US Navy Boards Iran-Flagged Tanker in Gulf of Oman for Suspected Blockade Violation — Crew Directed to Change Course, Released; Day 82

CENTCOM confirmed that a US Navy vessel boarded an Iran-flagged oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman on approximately May 19–20, 2026, after the vessel was suspected of violating the American blockade. The boarding crew found the tanker was attempting to move Iranian crude oil in circumvention of the US naval blockade. The crew was directed to change course and the vessel was subsequently released after the course correction — a pattern consistent with previous US Navy interdictions during the ceasefire period. This incident follows the US sanctioning of 12 entities on May 11 for facilitating Iranian oil sales to China and the seizure of multiple vessels since the blockade began in early April. Iran's illicit oil exports to China have continued under the blockade, with Iranian crude reportedly offered at $11–12/barrel discount vs. benchmark — an indication of the severe restrictions on Iran's ability to monetize its energy assets. Approximately 170 million barrels of Iranian crude are estimated to be sitting unsold on tankers at sea as a result of the blockade. The Gulf of Oman boarding represents the continuation of US naval enforcement operations under the ceasefire period — Operation Project Freedom (merchant vessel escort through Hormuz) remained paused since May 6 due to diplomatic progress, but interdiction of suspected blockade-violating vessels has continued. CENTCOM did not immediately publicize the boarding; it was confirmed in response to queries.