US forces have seized another Iranian-linked oil tanker in the Indian Ocean, the US Department of Defense announced on Thursday, April 23, 2026. The vessel, identified as the “Magistix X,” was taken into custody even as transiting waters near the Strait of Hormuz.
The Pentagon stated the seizure is part of ongoing efforts to enforce international maritime law and disrupt illicit networks supporting Iran. “We will continue to enforce maritime law globally to stop unlawful networks and intercept vessels providing material support to Iran wherever they operate,” a Defense Department spokesperson said.
According to Reuters, citing shipping and security sources, the US military intercepted at least three Iranian-flagged oil tankers in Asian waters on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, and is working to reroute them away from the region.
US Central Command reported that 31 vessels have altered their course or returned to port as part of the ongoing maritime security operation targeting Iranian oil shipments.
The actions underscore the intensifying US efforts to curb Iran’s oil exports amid heightened regional tensions over maritime security in critical waterways.
