Screenshot of video posted on X by U.S. Central Command [X Capture]

The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which is engaged in operations against Iran, announced on the 8th (local time) that it had neutralized two Iranian oil tankers attempting to enter an Omani port, breaking through the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran.

CENTCOM stated via X that U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets, launched from the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush, fired precision-guided missiles at the exhaust vents of the two tankers.

CENTCOM released footage of the tankers, identified as the M/T Sistar III and M/T Sevda, which were reportedly in ballast condition, engulfed in black smoke following the airstrikes.

CENTCOM also reported that on the 6th, Super Hornets assigned to the USS Abraham Lincoln neutralized the rudder of the M/T Hasna, an Iranian-flagged tanker in ballast condition, which was attempting to head towards an Iranian port in Oman.

CENTCOM Commander Gen. Brad Cooper stated, "U.S. forces in the Middle East will continue to rigorously enforce the blockade on vessels transiting in and out of Iran. Our highly trained service members are performing exceptionally."

CENTCOM's announcement appears to align with a report by Fox News, which cited a senior U.S. official.

Previously, Fox News reported that the U.S. military had conducted additional airstrikes on several oil tankers attempting to breach the maritime blockade against Iran.

The previous day, the United States and Iran engaged in hostilities centered around the Strait of Hormuz. While a ceasefire is currently being maintained between the U.S. and Iran, tensions are escalating due to ongoing small and medium-scale military exchanges between the two sides.

CENTCOM announced that it had engaged Iranian forces the previous day when three U.S. destroyers were transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian forces launched missiles and drones and deployed small craft.

The Iranian military's position is that the U.S. violated the ceasefire by firing upon Iranian oil tankers attempting to break the maritime blockade against Iran, and that they attacked U.S. warships in retaliation.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that the ceasefire remains in effect. President Trump indicated that Iran was showing a significantly advanced position in negotiations and had temporarily suspended the 'Project Freedom' on the 5th, aimed at facilitating the escape of merchant ships trapped in the Strait of Hormuz. However, the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran remains in place.

CENTCOM stated that it is currently blockading approximately 70 oil tankers attempting to enter and exit Iranian ports, carrying over 166 million barrels of Iranian oil valued at more than $13 billion (approximately 19.3 trillion Korean Won).

It further reported that approximately 50 merchant vessels have altered their course under CENTCOM's guidance.