US Intercepts Iranian Tankers Amid Blockade Escalation

Source: thetimes.com

TL;DR

The story at a glance

The US military has intercepted three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters and boarded another sanctioned vessel carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, as part of its ongoing naval blockade of Iranian ports. President Trump, the Pentagon, and Iranian leaders like President Masoud Pezeshkian are exchanging sharp rhetoric over the blockade's legality and a fragile ceasefire. This is being reported now amid Iran's recent seizure of three ships in the Strait of Hormuz and stalled peace talks. The Strait of Hormuz blockade began over a week ago to pressure Iran.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)[[2]](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-intercepts-three-iranian-oil-tankers-asian-waters-sources-say-2026-04-22)

Key points

Details and context

US forces released footage of boarding the stateless tanker M/T Majestic X in the Indian Ocean, stating it transported Iranian oil; the Department of War vows continued global enforcement against illicit networks supporting Iran. The blockade aims to disrupt Iran's oil exports, with Trump claiming it costs Iran $500 million daily, though analysts say real effects are small so far and Iran's regime has withstood past sanctions. A UK-led multinational meeting at Permanent Joint Headquarters in Northwood discussed joint plans to secure the Strait and support a ceasefire.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

Iranian leaders criticize US "hypocritical rhetoric" and blockades as barriers to talks, while Trump highlights Iranian leadership infighting between hardliners and moderates. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell rejected the mine-clearing timeline from a classified briefing reported by the Washington Post.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

Key quotes

“I have ordered the United States Navy to shoot and kill any boat... that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation.” — President Trump on Truth Social.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

“The media cherry-picking leaked information, much of which is false... a six-month closure of the Strait of Hormuz is an impossibility and completely unacceptable.” — Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

“Blockades, threats and breaches of commitments constituted the main obstacles to genuine negotiations.” — Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on X.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

Why it matters

The Strait of Hormuz handles a fifth of global oil, so disruptions risk prolonged supply shortages and price spikes worldwide. Higher oil at over $100 a barrel raises fuel and goods costs for consumers and squeezes economies dependent on imports. Watch for further Iranian retaliation or blockade expansions, though analysts doubt quick financial collapse of Iran.

What changed

(1) Prior to over a week ago, no US naval blockade restricted access to Iranian ports. (2) Now US forces patrol from Pakistan to Oman, turning back 31 vessels including tankers and boarding sanctioned ships globally. (3) Blockade started over a week ago, with three Asian tanker intercepts reported Wednesday.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

FAQ

Q: What did the US do to the three Iranian oil tankers?

A: The US military intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged tankers in Asian waters near India, Malaysia, and Sri Lanka, redirecting them from their positions. This follows Reuters reports from shipping and security sources, as part of enforcing the Strait of Hormuz blockade. The US has not detailed specific vessel names beyond examples like Deep Sea.[[2]](https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-intercepts-three-iranian-oil-tankers-asian-waters-sources-say-2026-04-22)[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

Q: How many ships has the US turned back overall?

A: US Central Command reports turning around 29 to 31 vessels, mostly oil tankers, since the blockade began. Most interceptions occur on routes to Asia away from Iran. Iranian officials claim this violates the ceasefire.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

Q: Why did Iran attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz?

A: Iran's IRGC attacked three vessels on Wednesday, seizing two like MSC Francesca and Emperoras for alleged permit issues and tampering. It followed Trump's ceasefire extension and came hours after US interceptions. A third ship, Euphoria, was targeted and stranded.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

Q: What is Trump's order on mine-laying boats?

A: Trump posted on Truth Social ordering the navy to “shoot and kill” any boats, even small ones, laying mines in the Strait without hesitation. He claimed total US control and tripled mine-sweeping efforts. This escalates amid reports of Iranian mines.[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)

[[1]](https://www.thetimes.com/world/middle-east/article/iran-us-war-latest-washington-intercepts-three-oil-tankers-3ggsm05dz)