美军中央司令部发言人霍金斯7月24日宣称，美军在阿曼湾向一艘违反美国对伊朗海上封锁令的油轮开火，致其丧失航行能力[1]。该油轮此前至少4次试图冲破封锁，船员在无视警告、拒不配合后被美军击中机舱[1]。
根据美军方面的说法，这是其恢复对伊朗海上封锁以来第二艘被击中丧失航行能力的商船[1]。在同一行动中，美军还迫使12艘船只改变航向[1]。对此，特朗普表示美军可将当前打击提升至更高强度，声称美国面临继续军事行动或通过谈判两种选择[1]。
The U.S. Central Command announced on July 24 that American forces fired upon a tanker in the Gulf of Oman that had repeatedly attempted to breach the U.S. maritime blockade against Iran, rendering the vessel unable to navigate.[1] According to command spokesperson Hawkins, the tanker made at least four attempts to break through the blockade, and after crew members ignored warnings, the ship was struck in its engine compartment.[1] This marked the second commercial vessel to lose its operational capability since the U.S. resumed its maritime enforcement operations against Iran.[1]
In addition to the direct strike on the tanker, U.S. forces compelled twelve other vessels to alter their courses.[1] President Trump stated that American military forces were prepared to intensify pressure on Iran further, indicating two potential paths forward: continuing military operations or pursuing negotiations.[1]