By Ginika Igboke
U.S. Marines boarded an Iranian oil tanker on May 20 amid concerns that the vessel may have been attempting to violate a U.S.-led blockade targeting Iran’s ports.
The operation was carried out by the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations across the Middle East. Officials said Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the Iranian-flagged tanker M/T Celestial Sea.
CENTCOM released footage on social media showing Marines departing U.S. warships in helicopters, approaching the tanker, and descending onto the vessel’s deck.
According to the military command, U.S. forces searched the ship before instructing the crew to alter its course. The vessel was later released.
CENTCOM stated that since the U.S. blockade against Iran began on April 13, American forces have redirected 91 vessels.
The maritime operation comes amid a fragile ceasefire and renewed diplomatic efforts involving Iran. While active combat has largely subsided, tensions remain elevated as negotiations continue.
Speaking before departing for Connecticut on May 20, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested developments regarding Iran were approaching a critical stage.
“We’re in the final stages of Iran,” Trump said, adding that a deal remained possible but warning that stronger measures could follow if negotiations fail.
A day earlier, Trump told reporters he planned to give Iranian officials only a limited period—possibly several days—to reach an agreement before facing renewed U.S. military action.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned that any renewed attacks on Iran could significantly widen the conflict.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the organization warned that a future war could spread beyond the region and threatened severe retaliation.
U.S. military leaders continue to maintain that Iran’s offensive military capabilities remain heavily weakened following weeks of sustained U.S. and Israeli operations.
In testimony submitted to the House Armed Services Committee, Brad Cooper said recent operations had damaged or destroyed more than 85 percent of Iran’s ballistic missile, drone, and naval industrial capabilities.
Cooper stated that hundreds of strikes targeted ballistic missile storage sites, launch systems, drone facilities, and related infrastructure.
He also rejected reports suggesting Iran had regained operational access to many missile facilities previously targeted by U.S. forces, arguing that much of the infrastructure remained disabled or destroyed.
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