Hormuz Escalation Scorecard May 6-11: US Disables 3 Iranian Tankers, Iran Seizes 1 Gulf Ship

# Hormuz Escalation Scorecard May 6-11: US Disables 3 Iranian Tankers, Iran Seizes 1 Gulf Ship

> **Quick answer:** In the week of May 6-11, 2026, U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornets disabled three Iranian-flagged tankers — M/T Hasna (May 6), M/T Sea Star III, and M/T Sevda (both May 8) — using precision smokestack and rudder strikes. Iran responded by seizing the Ocean Koi in the Gulf of Oman and activating the Persian Gulf Strait Authority toll declaration system. Brent crude held near $101 per barrel. Trump called the US strikes "just a love tap." Project Freedom escort operations were paused and then restarted within the same week.

The Hormuz escalation scorecard for May 6-11 reads: US 3, Iran 1 — in terms of ships directly disabled or seized. But that tally alone understates the week's complexity. While three Iranian tankers were taken out of commission by US carrier aviation, Iran launched a parallel bureaucratic offensive, formally stood up a toll-collection authority over the world's most critical oil chokepoint, and seized a sanctioned vessel it claimed was disrupting its own exports. Brent crude sat at approximately $101 per barrel by week's end — elevated, but not yet panicking. Here is every major naval action catalogued in one place.

*This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult a qualified financial advisor for personal financial decisions.*

## The Three US Strikes: What Happened and When

### May 6 — M/T Hasna