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US disables two Iranian tankers, reroutes 52 commercial ships.

5/8/2026

36 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

U.S. forces disabled Iranian-flagged tankers M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda in the Gulf of Oman, stopping them from reaching an Iranian port.
The strikes were part of operation Epic Fury and prompted the U.S. to order 52 commercial vessels to turn around.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attacks defensive, warned Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, and sought UN support.

History

Historical Context

After the USS Samuel B. Roberts struck an Iranian mine on 14 April 1988, the United States launched Operation Praying Mantis on 18 April 1988, sinking two Iranian warships, damaging two oil platforms and pressuring Iran toward a July cease-fire. In 2024 the U.S. again interdicted Iranian-flagged tankers Sea Star III and Sevda, ordering 52 commercial ships to reverse course through the Strait of Hormuz.

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Story summary

U.S. forces disabled Iranian-flagged tankers M/T Sea Star III and M/T Sevda in the Gulf of Oman, stopping them from reaching an Iranian port.
The strikes were part of operation Epic Fury and prompted the U.S. to order 52 commercial vessels to turn around.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the attacks defensive, warned Iran’s control of the Strait of Hormuz would set a dangerous precedent, and sought UN support.

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