US Cripples Iranian Tanker, Warns of Further Action

On Wednesday, U.S. forces in the Gulf of Oman disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker, the M/T Hasna, by firing upon its rudder asourceser the vessel reportedly failed to comply with orders to stop. This incident occurred as U.S. President Trump threatened Iran with "higher level" military strikes if a peace deal is not accepted, despite reporting "great progress" in negotiations brokered by Pakistan.

The U.S. Central Command confirmed that an F/A-18 Super Hornet from the USS Abraham Lincoln fired several rounds from its 20mm cannon, disabling the tanker's rudder. This action follows a similar incident on April 19, when the USS Spruance intercepted and disabled the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska. U.S. officials stated that 52 other ships have been forced to alter course or return to port as part of an ongoing blockade.

President Trump also stated that Iran is "militarily defeated" but indicated that U.S. combat operations might not be concluded, noting that approximately 70% of intended targets have been hit. Concurrently, U.S. counterterrorism officials are scheduled to meet with international partners on Friday to discuss bolstering counterterrorism efforts, particularly concerning Iran and the Strait of Hormuz, under a new strategy signed by President Trump.