WASHINGTON : The United States military carried out a “maritime interdiction and boarding” operation on the M/F Tifani, a stateless vessel under sanctions, during overnight hours, the Pentagon confirmed on Tuesday.
The interception took place within the jurisdiction of United States Indo-Pacific Command, which oversees operations across the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
However, regions such as the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz fall under the authority of United States Central Command.
According to the Pentagon, the vessel was linked to Iranian smuggling activities.
Officials emphasized that the U.S. will continue global maritime enforcement to disrupt illegal networks and intercept sanctioned ships supporting Iran, regardless of their location.
They also stated that international waters will not serve as a safe haven for such vessels.
The Pentagon released video footage showing the boarding operation.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has referred to its sanctions enforcement campaign against Iran and allied groups as “Operation Economic Fury,” similar to “Operation Epic Fury,” which is associated with U.S. strikes on Iran since February.
