U.S. boards sanctioned oil tanker

The maritime interdiction marks the second such operation in as many days as the U.S. enforces a strict naval blockade on Iranian ports.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that commandos boarded the 'stateless sanctioned' tanker without incident, emphasizing that international waters are not a refuge for illicit actors.

The seizure is intended to further squeeze Iran's oil-reliant economy as the two nations remain deadlocked in ceasefire negotiations.

Iranian officials have condemned the action as 'armed piracy' and threatened a decisive response to any renewed aggression.