Pentagon releases video of US strike on Iranian tankers

The US military said its forces disabled two Iranian-flagged oil tankers in the Gulf of Oman after a confrontation with Iranian forces near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation was part of ongoing American blockade measures targeting Iran. The tankers, identified as M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda, were reportedly prevented from entering Iranian ports.

Fighter jets used in operation

According to CENTCOM, a US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS George HW Bush carried out the strikes. The fighter jet fired precision munitions at the tankers’ smokestacks, disabling the vessels without sinking them.

The US military said the ships were “non-compliant” and claimed the action stopped them from continuing towards Iranian territory.

CENTCOM also said American forces redirected 58 commercial vessels operating in the region during the operation.

The U.S. Naval blockade against Iran continues be to fully enforced. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 58 commercial vessels and disabled 4 since April 13 to prevent the ships from entering or leaving Iranian ports. pic.twitter.com/mFmipUptgM

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 9, 2026

The latest incident follows a similar operation earlier this month involving another Iranian-flagged tanker, M/T Hasna.

According to the US military, the vessel was disabled on May 6 while attempting to reach an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. An F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from USS Abraham Lincoln reportedly fired on the ship’s rudder using a 20mm cannon.

“All three vessels are no longer transiting to Iran,” CENTCOM said in its statement.

Photos of USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115), and USS Mason (DDG 87) operating in the Middle East. The three destroyers are currently sailing in the Arabian Sea supporting the blockade against Iran. As of today, CENTCOM forces have redirected 57 commercial… pic.twitter.com/iFHp1HHMac

— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 8, 2026