Marine Corps
US Marines board, redirect tanker in Gulf of Oman, CENTCOM says
Stars and Stripes
May 20, 2026
U.S. Marines from the 31st Expeditionary Unit on Wednesday boarded a tanker suspected of attempting to violate the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf Oman, U.S. Central Command said.
American forces released the vessel, Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker M/T Celestial Sea, after a search. They directed the ship’s crew to alter course.
“U.S. forces continue to fully enforce the blockade and have now redirected 91 commercial ships to ensure compliance,” CENTCOM said.
U.S. forces have boarded at least five commercial vessels since the Trump administration imposed the blockade on Iranian shipping in mid-April.
A U.S. military strike on Iran planned for Tuesday was placed on hold, President Donald Trump said Monday, because Gulf allies requested it.
For weeks, the U.S. and Iran have issued conflicting statements about the prospects for a final agreement to end the war that began Feb. 28. Even under a temporary ceasefire, Trump has repeatedly threatened to renew strikes if Iran does not agree to his terms, including surrendering its nuclear material.
An Iranian-flagged tanker sails in the Gulf of Oman. (U.S. Central Command)