US Marines Board Iranian-Flagged Tanker in Gulf of Oman amid ongoing Maritime Enforcement
May 21, 2026
US Marines have reportedly boarded and redirected an Iranian-flagged commercial oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman as part of ongoing US maritime enforcement operations targeting Iranian shipping.
According to US Central Command, the vessel identified as M/T Celestial Sea was intercepted after it was suspected of attempting to evade restrictions and appeared to be heading toward an Iranian port. The ship was searched and ordered to change course.
CENTCOM stated that this incident is part of a broader enforcement campaign at sea, claiming that at least five vessels have been boarded since the operation began earlier this year. Officials also said 91 commercial ships have been redirected for compliance, while four vessels have been disabled since April 12.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the region. While President Donald Trump has reportedly paused plans for renewed military strikes on Iran to allow space for negotiations, US maritime enforcement actions in the region continue.
