US intercepts and board Iranian oil tanker in Indian Ocean

“During the night, American forces carried out a maritime interdiction and an approach, in exercise of the right of visitation, to the sanctioned ship M/T Majestic

The vessel was boarded while the Americans maintain a naval blockade against Iran. Along with the statement, the military command published images of the interception operation in which it is possible to see how American troops approach the ship, including a video in which a soldier can be heard radioing Majestic X that they were about to board.

“We will continue to enforce the law at the global maritime level to dismantle illicit networks and intercept ships providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate. International waters cannot be used as a shield by sanctioned actors,” the War Department said.

Currently, more than 10,000 American military personnel, around 17 warships and 100 aircraft patrol the waters near Iran to ensure that no vessels enter or leave its ports, according to Centcom.

The US president this week indefinitely extended the ceasefire with Iran until the Iranian regime presents a unified proposal for an agreement, and stated that there is a possibility that peace negotiations will resume next Friday in Pakistan.

Earlier on Thursday, Trump ordered the US Navy to “shoot and destroy” any small vessels in the Strait of Hormuz that are laying mines. Furthermore, the president stated that demining operations in the waterway will be intensified by the USA.