US Marines board sanctioned oil tanker Wen Yao in Gulf of Oman

US military personnel have boarded the tanker Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman to conduct a physical inspection, United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Friday, July 17.

Since 2024, the Wen Yao has been placed on international sanctions lists for transporting Iranian crude oil and assisting the National Iranian Oil Company.

In a statement published on the social media platform X, CENTCOM stated that the onboard inspection of the vessel is being carried out directly by US Marines assigned to the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. These operations are being conducted to enforce and monitor compliance with the active blockade regime. Alongside the boarding of the Wen Yao, US military personnel also boarded a second, unnamed vessel.

According to CENTCOM, US forces successfully redirected three commercial vessels that attempted to breach the maritime blockade. A fourth violating vessel was completely disabled by American forces.

The naval blockade of Iranian ports has been in effect since July 14.

By Tamilla Hasanova