US intercepts Iranian tanker M/T Stream amid Hormuz tensions

On April 26, 2026, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) intercepted the Iranian-flagged oil tanker M/T Stream as it attempted to reach an Iranian port.  

The action is part of an ongoing U.S.-led naval blockade of Iranian ports that officially began on April 13, 2026, following the collapse of peace talks. The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the interception on April 28, stating the vessel was stopped to enforce restrictions on maritime traffic into strategic coastal hubs. 

Key Details of the Interception

• Vessel Involved: M/T Stream, an Iranian-flagged crude oil tanker.
• Intercepting Force: USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115).
• Location/Status: The tanker was last tracked in the Malacca Strait roughly 13 days prior and was intercepted while attempting to sail toward Iranian territorial waters.
• Outcome: The tanker was prevented from reaching its destination as part of broader "maritime restrictive operations". 

Context of the Blockade

The interception of the M/T Stream follows a series of similar maritime confrontations:

• Recent Seizures: In the days leading up to this incident, the U.S. military boarded and seized other Iran-linked tankers, including the M/T Majestic X and the M/T Tifani.
• Enforcement Scale: Since April 13, U.S. forces have reportedly directed 38 ships to turn around or return to port to maintain the blockade.
• Geopolitical Impact: Iran has condemned these actions as "piracy and armed robbery on the high seas". The escalating tensions have led to immediate spikes in global oil prices and the withdrawal of Iran from scheduled diplomatic negotiations.