Video: U.S. forces board sanctioned Iranian oil tanker in Indian ocean interdiction
Abdullateef Fowewe
United States military forces conducted a maritime interdiction overnight, boarding the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Majestic X in the Indian Ocean within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) area of responsibility.
This was made known on Thursday by the US Department of War.
The operation targeted the tanker, which was transporting oil from Iran.
Video footage and images released by the Department of War depict helicopters deploying troops onto the vessel’s deck, capturing the high-seas boarding in real time.
“We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate,” the department stated.
“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 maneuver in the maritime domain.”
The action underscores an expanded U.S. push to enforce sanctions on Iran-linked vessels worldwide, signaling that open seas provide no sanctuary for illicit oil shipments amid ongoing efforts to curb Tehran’s revenue streams.
