U.S. forces boarded the sanctioned Iranian supertanker Majestic X in the Indian Ocean, a move that underscores Washington’s willingness to enforce sanctions far from the Persian Gulf. The 2‑million‑barrel VLCC, also known as the Phonix, was intercepted by U.S. naval forces under the INDOPACOM area of responsibility. The boarding follows a series of interdictions that have already seen 29 vessels redirected or forced to return to port, tightening a blockade that has limited Iranian oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. The blockade has contributed to a guaranteed supply loss of roughly 1 billion barrels, according to a statement from Russell Hardy, chief executive officer of Vitol Group . The Majestic X, described by Pentagon as stateless and listed under a false flag by the shipping database Equasis , can carry up to 2 million barrels of crude. Earlier this week, the VLCCs Hedy and Hero II were anchored at Chabahar after interdiction, and the Dorena was escorted by a U.S. Navy destroyer after attempting to breach the cordon, as noted by US Central Command . Analytics firm Vortexa had previously reported that the carriers had moved into the Arabian Sea, testing the American blockade that began early last week. The U.S. blockade also coincides with Iranian attacks on at least three vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, diverting two into Iranian waters. Russell Hardy noted that the oil market already faces a guaranteed supply loss of around 1 billion barrels, in part because of the time it would take to revive flows once the strait reopens. Pentagon ’s statement emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to target Iranian oil trade hundreds of miles from Tehran’s territorial waters. With the blockade in place, global oil and gas prices remain elevated and flows show little sign of quick recovery, suggesting that producers may need to adjust output to stabilize markets. The continued interdiction of Iranian supertankers is likely to keep supply constraints in place until the Strait of Hormuz reopens and sanctions are lifted.