US Seizes Iranian Oil Tanker Amid Escalating Maritime Tensions

Washington D.C. As part of a strategy to increase military and economic pressure on Iran, the United States has seized a sanctioned Iranian oil tanker in the Indian Ocean. The U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon) confirmed that the vessel, named 'M/T Majestic X', was intercepted and searched in open waters.

Since imposing a total blockade on maritime traffic moving through Iranian ports on April 13, the U.S. has been systematically seizing such vessels. Iran has condemned the move, labeling the U.S. Navy's actions as maritime piracy.

Tensions have further escalated following President Donald Trump's order to the U.S. Navy to fire upon any boats that lay mines or obstruct critical trade routes like the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command, 33 vessels have been turned back so far for violating the blockade.

Speaking at a White House event, Trump claimed that the blockade on Iran is 100 percent effective and that Iran's commercial trade has come to a standstill. He stated that although Iran proposed opening the waterways three days ago, he rejected the offer and clarified that the blockade will remain in place until a deal is reached.

Meanwhile, Iran claims it has successfully collected tolls from ships using the Strait of Hormuz despite the tensions. Hamidreza Haji Babaei, Deputy Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, stated that the collected revenue has been deposited into the central bank, though he did not disclose the amount or which vessels were charged.

Although President Trump extended the two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan, the confrontation between the two nations at sea continues. The Iranian side has stated that there is no immediate possibility of opening the waterways due to U.S. sanctions and ceasefire violations.