Pentagon officials confirmed Tuesday that U.S. forces successfully boarded a sanctioned oil tanker in the Indian Ocean during an overnight operation. The vessel, identified as the M/T Tifani, was intercepted within the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command's area of responsibility as part of a broader maritime enforcement mission.
Defense Department spokespeople stated that the boarding was conducted "without incident" by specialized units trained for high-seas interdictions. The M/T Tifani was described as a stateless vessel, although it had previously been associated with a Botswana flag while allegedly smuggling Iranian crude oil.
This military action follows the month-long closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that has remained shut since late February. President Donald Trump has maintained a strict naval blockade to prevent the flow of illicit energy products and to pressure foreign adversaries.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth noted that the operation demonstrates the global reach of the U.S. military in enforcing international sanctions. He emphasized that international waters will not serve as a refuge for ships attempting to bypass the administration's economic restrictions.
The tanker was reportedly carrying hundreds of thousands of barrels of oil and was positioned between Sri Lanka and Indonesia at the time of the boarding. U.S. Indo-Pacific Command is currently coordinating the escort of the vessel to a secure location for further inspection and cargo verification.
Vice President JD Vance, who is currently traveling for diplomatic talks in Pakistan, was briefed on the successful mission early Tuesday morning. The White House reiterated that the United States remains committed to protecting freedom of navigation while dismantling illicit trade networks.
Analysts suggest that the seizure of the M/T Tifani is a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime standoff in the region. Global energy markets have reacted with volatility as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues to disrupt traditional shipping routes.
The Pentagon has not yet released details regarding the specific units involved or the current status of the ship's crew members. However, officials indicated that the boarding was a "right-of-visit" interdiction intended to disrupt material support for the Iranian government.
This latest move marks the twenty-eighth vessel interdicted since the start of the naval blockade earlier this month. Military commanders have been authorized to pursue any vessel suspected of violating the quarantine, regardless of its location in international waters.