U.S. forces boarded the crude oil tanker Wen Yao, also known as Lan Jing, in the Gulf of Oman on July 16 as part of the United States' renewed naval blockade of Iranian ports. The boarding was conducted by U.S. mariners under the direction of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM said the operation was carried out to verify the vessel's compliance with the renewed blockade measures. The United States reinstated the naval blockade on July 14 as part of its increased maritime enforcement activities in the region. The latest operation is one of several actions being taken to monitor commercial shipping near Iranian waters.

According to CENTCOM, three commercial vessels attempted to sail toward Iranian ports after the blockade was reimposed. However, all three ships were redirected before reaching their intended destinations. No further details were released regarding the vessels or the reasons for their redirection.

CENTCOM did not disclose the flag state, cargo details, or the current operational status of the Wen Yao following the boarding. As of now, there has also been no official report indicating that the vessel or its crew violated any international maritime regulations.

The Wen Yao is a crude oil tanker built in 2005. The vessel measures approximately 330 meters in length and 60 meters in width, with a deadweight tonnage (DWT) of 298,972, making it one of the larger crude oil tankers operating in international trade.

The renewed U.S. blockade and increased naval presence in the Gulf of Oman continue to draw attention from the global maritime industry. Shipping companies and seafarers operating in the region are closely monitoring developments, as changes in security conditions and enforcement measures may affect vessel movements and commercial operations.