US forces disable Iranian tanker Hasna in Gulf of Oman blockade
Synopsis
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet disabled the Iranian-flagged tanker Hasna in the Gulf of Oman after its crew ignored repeated warnings — the latest flashpoint in an escalating US naval blockade of Iran, even as President Trump claims Iran's military has been 'mostly decimated' and hints a deal may be close.
Key Takeaways
US forces disabled the Iranian-flagged tanker Hasna in the Gulf of Oman on 7 May 2025 at 9 am US Eastern Time .
A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet launched from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired rounds from a 20mm cannon to disable the vessel's rudder.
The US blockade of Iranian ports remains "in full force and effect," according to US Central Command .
President Donald Trump claimed Iran's military infrastructure — including its navy of 159 ships , air force, and missile stockpiles — had been "mostly decimated." Trump indicated that Iran-US talks had progressed over the previous 24 hours , saying "it's very possible that we'll make a deal." Trump reiterated his position that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons .
US Central Command on Wednesday confirmed that US forces struck and disabled an Iranian-flagged oil tanker named Hasna in international waters in the Gulf of Oman, as the vessel was en route to an Iranian port. The strike marks a significant escalation in the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports.
How the Strike Unfolded
The strike took place at 9 am US Eastern Time on Wednesday, 7 May, when the unladen tanker Hasna was transiting international waters toward an Iranian port on the Gulf of Oman. According to the US Central Command's statement posted on X, the crew of the Hasna failed to comply with repeated warnings issued by US forces.
Point of View
Even as Trump simultaneously signals openness to a deal. That dual-track posture — maximum military pressure alongside diplomatic overture — is a high-wire act. Trump's sweeping claims about Iran's military being 'mostly decimated' and its leaders being 'all dead' are extraordinary and, if accurate, represent a fundamental shift in Middle East power dynamics; if overstated, they risk undermining US credibility at the negotiating table. The simultaneous halt to Strait of Hormuz escort missions and the maintenance of the port blockade also raises questions about the safety of global shipping in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints.
NationPress
7 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to the Iranian tanker Hasna?
US forces disabled the Iranian-flagged oil tanker Hasna in the Gulf of Oman on 7 May 2025 after its crew failed to comply with repeated warnings. A US Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet, launched from USS Abraham Lincoln, fired rounds from a 20mm cannon to disable the vessel's rudder, preventing it from continuing toward an Iranian port.
Why did the US strike the Iranian tanker?
According to US Central Command, the Hasna was attempting to transit to an Iranian port in defiance of the ongoing US naval blockade of Iranian ports. The crew ignored repeated warnings before US forces acted to disable the vessel.
Is the US blockade of Iranian ports still active?
Yes. US Central Command confirmed the blockade of Iranian ports remains "in full force and effect." President Trump also separately halted Pentagon missions to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, though the port blockade continues.
What did Trump say about Iran's military capabilities?
President Trump claimed Iran's navy of 159 ships had been destroyed, its air force grounded, and its anti-aircraft systems, radar, and missile stockpiles "mostly decimated." He also claimed Iran's leaders were "all dead" — statements that have not been independently verified.
Is the US in talks with Iran for a deal?
President Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that the US had held "very good talks" with Iran over the previous 24 hours and said it was "very possible" a deal could be reached. He maintained his core condition that Iran must never acquire nuclear weapons.
