-- US forces seized an oil tanker Majestic X under sanctions on Thursday during a maritime interdiction in the Indian Ocean, according to a social media post by US Department of Defense.
According to the statement, American units conducted a right-of-visit boarding of the stateless, Guyana-flagged vessel.
The Majestic X, formerly known as the Phonix, had been blacklisted by the US Treasury in 2024 for providing material support to Iran.
This seizure marks a significant escalation in the region, occurring only a day after Iran's Revolutionary Guard captured two merchant ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
Additionally, US Navy has received direct orders to shoot and destroy any small boats attempting to plant mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
"There is to be no hesitation," US president Donald Trump posted on Truth Social.
Meanwhile, US forces intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged vessels in Asian waters, before redirecting them from their respective positions, according to a Reuters report from Wednesday.