New photos circulating online reportedly showed fire and visible damage aboard an Iranian-linked very large crude carrier (VLCC) days after the vessel was reportedly disabled by the United States Navy near the Gulf of Oman.

According to reports, the tanker identified as Sea Star III was seen with heavy smoke and flames near its funnel area while anchored close to Bandar-e Jask, Iran. The vessel was reportedly targeted during ongoing U.S. blockade enforcement operations in the region.

Maritime reports stated that the vessel was not carrying cargo at the time of the incident. Images shared online allegedly showed scorch marks and continuing fire damage onboard the tanker. However, some reports noted that the authenticity of the photos has not yet been independently verified.

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) earlier confirmed that U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet aircraft launched from an American aircraft carrier carried out strikes against Iranian-flagged tankers operating near the Gulf of Oman. The operation reportedly aimed to disable the vessels without sinking them.

Reports said the strikes targeted the smokestack, rudder, and steering systems of the tankers after they allegedly ignored warnings linked to the ongoing U.S. naval blockade involving Iranian ports.

Aside from Sea Star III, another Iranian tanker identified as Sevda was also reportedly seen damaged and on fire in satellite images released days after the operation. Maritime analysts monitoring the area noted that several tankers appeared stationary near Bandar-e Jask following the strikes.