Middle East
Navy Super Hornet fires on, disables Iranian tanker attempting to run blockade
Stars and Stripes
May 6, 2026
An F/A-18E Super Hornet, attached to Strike Fighter Squadron 151, takes off from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln on April 14, 2026. (U.S. Navy)
The U.S. military on Wednesday fired on and disabled an Iranian oil tanker that attempted to breach the blockade of Iran’s ports, U.S. Central Command said.
The M/T Hasna was transiting the Gulf of Oman when the ship ignored warnings to stop. Its rudder was then disabled by several 20mm cannon rounds fired by an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, the command said in a statement.
“The U.S. blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect,” the statement said. “CENTCOM forces continue to act deliberately and professionally to ensure compliance.”
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, President Donald Trump has repeatedly threatened to renew strikes if Iran does not agree to his terms, including surrendering its nuclear material.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has worked to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping has slowed dramatically, driving up global fuel costs and rattling world leaders.
In an early morning post on his Truth Social platform, Trump on Wednesday said Operation Epic Fury would end and the Strait of Hormuz would reopen if Iran agrees to give “what has been agreed to,” without providing further details.
“If they don’t agree, the bombing starts, and it will be, sadly, at a much higher level and intensity than it was before,” Trump added.