U.S. Strikes Iran-Flagged Tankers in Gulf of Oman
CNBC reported Friday that the U.S. military destroyed two Iran-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman, stopping the vessels from breaking through an active American naval blockade of Iranian ports.
Precision Strikes Halt Tanker Breach Attempt
U.S. Central Command confirmed the operation, stating that a fighter jet fired precision munitions directly into the smokestacks of both tankers. The ships were travelling without cargo when they were disabled. CENTCOM released unclassified footage of both strikes alongside its official statement. The action adds to a mounting list of military incidents this week, steadily eroding a fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. President Donald Trump has continued to insist publicly that the temporary truce remains intact.
Strait of Hormuz Becomes a War Zone
The Iran naval blockade and the broader conflict have turned the Strait of Hormuz into an active military flashpoint. On Thursday, U.S. and Iranian forces exchanged fire in the strait, with each side blaming the other for firing first. Trump described those exchanges to ABC News as “just a love tap,” while separately warning Tehran on social media that further attacks would follow if it refused a nuclear agreement. The strait typically handles roughly 20% of global oil trade. Its effective closure since late February has triggered a significant supply shock, driving oil prices sharply higher.
Background: How the Conflict Began
The current confrontation traces back to February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes against Iran. Tehran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to tanker traffic. Washington retaliated with a naval blockade targeting Iranian ports directly. That blockade has since become central to Washington’s economic and military pressure campaign against Tehran, cutting off a crucial revenue artery for the Islamic Republic.
Diplomacy Continues Alongside Military Action
Despite the renewed hostilities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Friday morning that he still anticipates Iran will formally respond to a U.S. proposal designed to end the war and open a pathway toward nuclear negotiations. Rubio made the remarks in Rome, speaking to reporters after meeting with Pope Leo XIV. “We’ll see what the response entails,” Rubio told CNBC, adding that the hope is for “a serious process in negotiation.” Whether Tehran’s reply will shift the military dynamic on the water remains to be seen.
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