U.S. Forces Board Sanctioned Tanker M/T Majestic X Carrying Iranian Oil in Indian Ocean

INDIAN OCEAN — U.S. forces boarded a sanctioned stateless tanker in the Indian Ocean as part of sanctions enforcement operations. The vessel, identified as the M/T Majestic X, was transporting oil from Iran at the time of the action.

The Department of War described the boarding as a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit operation conducted within the INDOPACOM area of responsibility.

The statement noted that U.S. forces will continue similar enforcement actions to disrupt networks supporting Iran.

International waters provide no sanctuary for sanctioned actors, the Department of War added. The U.S. will continue to restrict the freedom of maneuver of vessels and networks linked to Iran in the maritime domain.

Interdiction Details

U.S. forces used helicopter insertion to board the M/T Majestic X. Video from the operation shows a gray MH-60R Seahawk helicopter hovering above the tanker while personnel descend to the deck.

Additional footage captures armed personnel in camouflage moving across the deck toward the vessel’s superstructure.

Audio recorded during the boarding includes the transmission: “motor vessel majestic x we intend to conduct a boarding of your vessel.”

The tanker was underway on open ocean under clear skies when the operation began. Personnel on deck carried backpacks and weapons consistent with a boarding team.

Official Statements

• Department of War: “Overnight, U.S. forces carried out a maritime interdiction and right-of-visit boarding of the sanctioned stateless vessel M/T Majestic X transporting oil from Iran, in the Indian Ocean within the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. We will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illicit networks and interdict vessels providing material support to Iran, wherever they operate. International waters cannot be used as a shield by sanctioned actors. The Department of War will continue to deny illicit actors and their vessels freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain.”