Trump Orders Military to Fire on Iranian Oil Tanker During Blockade, Escalates Ultimatum

A U.S. Navy fighter jet fired on and disabled the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Hasna in the Gulf of Oman as it attempted to breach the U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports. The attack occurred shortly after President Trump issued a fresh ultimatum to Tehran, threatening "a new wave of US bombing at a much higher level and intensity than it was before" if Iran did not accept a deal to end the war. U.S. Central Command stated the tanker was given multiple warnings before the jet shot out its rudder. The incident occurred during an official ceasefire as the two countries appeared to be approaching a negotiated settlement, raising concerns about escalation and Trump's use of military force as a negotiating tactic. No Congressional authorization for this military action has been reported, raising War Powers Act questions.

"a new wave of US bombing at a much higher level and intensity than it was before" — Trump's ultimatum to Iran during ceasefire negotiations, delivered shortly before U.S. forces fired on an Iranian oil tanker