U.S. Marines boarded an Iranian oil tanker on May 20 amid concerns the vessel was attempting to violate a U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees military operations in the Middle East, said Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit boarded the Iranian-flagged M/T Celestial Sea.
CENTCOM shared a post on X, showing footage of the Marines taking off from U.S. warships in helicopters, approaching the Iranian tanker, and lowering onto the deck of the commercial ship.
“American forces released the vessel after searching and directing the ship’s crew to alter course,” CENTCOM said.
According to CENTCOM, U.S. forces have redirected 91 vessels since the start of the U.S. blockade against Iran on April 13.
The blockade has played out amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran. President Donald Trump has pursued new negotiations with Tehran, while combat has largely paused.
Speaking with reporters before departing for Connecticut on Wednesday, Trump said negotiations with Iran were in their final stages.
“We’ll see what happens. We’ll either have a deal, or we’re going to do some things that are a little bit nasty, but hopefully that won’t happen,” Trump added.