U.S. Navy F/A-18 Disables Rudder of Iranian Tanker Attempting to Breach Blockade

WASHINGTON — A U.S. Navy F/A-18E/F Super Hornet disabled the rudder of an Iranian-flagged oil tanker attempting to run the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, U.S. Central Command confirmed on May 6, 2026.

The incident occurred in the Gulf of Oman around 9 a.m. Eastern Time. The unladen tanker, identified as the M/T Hasna, was heading toward an Iranian port when U.S. forces issued repeated warnings to stop or turn around. After the crew failed to comply, a Super Hornet launched from the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) fired several rounds from its 20mm cannon at the vessel’s rudder, disabling its steering capability.

CENTCOM stated that the ship “is no longer transiting to Iran.” No injuries were reported to the tanker’s crew or U.S. personnel.

The action was taken as part of ongoing enforcement of the U.S. naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports following the outbreak of hostilities in late February. The blockade has significantly curtailed Iranian oil exports and remains in effect despite the indefinite ceasefire reached in early April.

Project Freedom, the U.S. operation to guide stranded commercial vessels safely through the Strait of Hormuz, had been paused to allow diplomatic efforts to continue, but enforcement actions against vessels attempting to violate the blockade continue.

The precise disablement of the tanker’s rudder demonstrates a calibrated approach to enforcing the blockade without causing unnecessary loss of life or sinking the vessel. The Super Hornet’s 20mm M61 Vulcan cannon allowed for targeted fire on the steering mechanism.

This is the latest kinetic action in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz region as the U.S. maintains pressure on Iran to reach a comprehensive agreement addressing its nuclear program and regional destabilization activities. The tanker Hasna had been previously sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury for its role in Iranian oil smuggling networks.

Iran has not issued an immediate official comment on the specific incident, though senior Iranian military officials have previously warned that any foreign military interference in the strait would be met with force.

The event underscores the continued volatility in the region even as indirect talks facilitated by Pakistan seek to advance a potential framework agreement to formally end the conflict. President Trump has maintained that the blockade will remain in place until a deal is reached that meets U.S. security requirements.