Overview
- The guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepted the Iranian-flagged crude carrier M/T Stream and halted its approach to an Iranian port, according to US Central Command.
- CENTCOM released photos of the encounter and described the stop as part of a continuing blockade of Iran's ports.
- MarineTraffic data reported by news outlets placed the tanker in the Malacca Strait about two weeks before the interception.
- Iran’s foreign ministry has condemned similar actions as piracy after earlier US seizures of the Iran-linked tankers Majestic X and Tifani.
- US forces say the campaign has ordered 38 ships to turn around or return to port, signaling wider pressure that could disrupt commercial routes.