The United States said its forces boarded a sanctioned tanker carrying Iranian oil in the Indian Ocean, describing the action as a maritime interdiction. The move is part of a broader naval blockade imposed on 13 April targeting traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports. Washington stated it has ordered dozens of vessels to return to port and will continue stopping ships suspected of supporting Iran’s oil trade.

The escalation comes as President Donald Trump ordered the United States Navy to 'shoot and kill' any boats laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route. He said the blockade is fully effective and claimed Iran is struggling economically under the pressure. American officials rejected suggestions that clearing any mines in the strait would take months, insisting prolonged disruption would be unacceptable.

Iran condemned earlier interceptions as piracy and said it has begun collecting toll revenues from ships transiting the strait, though details remain unclear. Iranian leaders have projected unity despite mounting economic strain and ongoing tensions with both the United States and Israel. While a temporary ceasefire has been extended to allow for negotiations, both sides continue to signal readiness for further confrontation.