US forces board the Iranian-linked oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean as part of a blockade effort against Iran's shipping.

US forces conducted a maritime interdiction of the oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean, heightening efforts to disrupt Iran's shipping activities. The Guyana-flagged vessel, earlier identified as Phonix, was seized for allegedly transporting illicit Iranian crude oil.

According to a Pentagon statement, "We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks". This move comes in response to the ship's previous sanctioning by the US Treasury in 2024 for violating sanctions against Iran.

The Majestic X is classified as a Very Large Crude Carrier capable of transporting 2 million barrels of oil and was operating under a false flag. The actions taken by the US Navy comprise a part of broader maritime security operations in the INDOPACOM region, where the US is intensifying its efforts to enforce sanctions and maintain stability in critical waterways.

The operation to board the vessel reflects ongoing tensions regarding Iran's oil exports and the US commitment to countering illicit maritime activities linked to the Islamic Republic. US Armed Forces have signaled their readiness for further actions as part of this maritime enforcement strategy.

US forces boarded the Iranian-linked oil tanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean as part of a blockade against Iranian shipping. The vessel, previously known as Phonix, had been sanctioned for smuggling Iranian crude oil, according to Pentagon statements regarding global maritime enforcement efforts.