US Navy Intercepts Stateless Oil Tanker in Indian Ocean Operation
US forces say vessel carrying Iranian oil was boarded in international waters as part of expanded maritime enforcement campaign
2 min read
The US Navy has confirmed that it carried out an operation in the Indian Ocean involving the boarding of what it described as a stateless oil tanker allegedly transporting crude linked to Iran.
In a statement posted on social media, the US Department of Defense said its forces conducted what it described as a maritime interdiction and a boarding operation involving the sanctioned vessel identified as M/T Majestic X.
Officials stated that the ship was operating within the area of responsibility of the United States Indo Pacific Command and was allegedly transporting oil originating from Iran.
The statement said US forces will continue operations aimed at disrupting what it called illicit maritime networks and preventing vessels providing support to Iran from operating freely.
“We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate,” the statement said.
It further added, “International waters cannot be used as a shield by sanctioned actors. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of manoeuvre in the maritime domain.”
According to US officials, the vessel was classified as stateless and subject to sanctions enforcement measures. Authorities described the operation as part of a wider campaign targeting maritime routes linked to sanctioned oil trade.
The US has increased monitoring and interception activity in key shipping lanes in recent months, focusing on vessels suspected of bypassing sanctions through covert transport networks.
No further details were immediately provided regarding the crew status or the current location of the vessel following the boarding operation.