US claims seizure of Iranian-oil vessel in Indian Ocean

The United States says it has seized a vessel allegedly involved in Iranian oil transportation during a maritime operation in the Indian Ocean, according to the US Department of Defense.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, the Pentagon said the operation targeted the “MT Majestic X,” which it described as a stateless vessel operating within the US Indo-Pacific Command area.

The US alleged that the ship was linked to oil smuggling activities in violation of international sanctions on Iran.

The Defense Department said it will continue global operations aimed at disrupting shipping networks supporting Iran, adding that action will be taken against “illicit actors wherever they operate.”

It further stated that criminals using international waters as cover will not be allowed to operate freely, and that the US remains committed to preventing unlawful maritime activity.

Iran has not yet issued an official response to the US claims.