Summary US Navy intercepts Iranian-flagged oil tanker MT Stream, CENTCOM says move part of blockade policy, Iran earlier accused US of piracy after seizure of two linked vessels
WASHINGTON (Dunya News) - According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the US Navy’s guided missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta intercepted the Iranian-flagged oil tanker MT Stream.
In a statement issued on social media, CENTCOM said the action was taken when the tanker attempted to sail towards an Iranian port.
The statement added that the move is part of the United States' blockade of Iranian ports.
According to Marine Traffic, MT Stream is a crude oil tanker operating under the Iranian flag and was last seen 13 days ago in the Strait of Malacca.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had earlier accused the United States of piracy and armed robbery in open seas after US actions led to the seizure of two other Iran-linked oil tankers, Majestic X and Tiffany.
