U.S. Military Fires on Vessel Breaching Iranian Port Blockade

The U.S. military reported Friday that it fired upon and disabled a merchant vessel attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. The vessel, identified as the M/T Lavine, was targeted after it repeatedly ignored warnings and attempted to run the blockade at least four times, according to U.S. Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins.

“

American forces disabled the M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after the ship attempted to run the blockade at least four times.

The military fired into the ship's engine room, disabling it. This marks the second commercial ship disabled since the U.S. reimposed its naval blockade. U.S. Central Command also stated it had redirected 12 other vessels. The incident follows a previous engagement on July 15, where a U.S. aircraft fired a missile into the smokestack of the Curacao-flagged oil tanker Belma, disabling it after it sailed toward Iran's main oil export terminal.

These actions occur amid a heightened state of conflict between the U.S. and Iran, marked by a 13th consecutive night of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets. Despite ongoing diplomatic discussions, both nations have taken steps suggesting a potential escalation. U.S. embassies in the Middle East have alerted Americans to potentially limited departure options, while Iran's Revolutionary Guard advised neighboring countries to avoid areas with U.S. troops.

“

We're locked and loaded and ready to go, but we're talking to them.

President Donald Trump described negotiations with Iran as "by far the most serious that we've seen," yet affirmed the U.S. is "locked and loaded and ready to go." Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi vowed that Iran "will not bow to U.S." bullying, noting ongoing discussions with China and Russia and warning against yielding to pressure. The conflict centers on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy supplies that Iran has effectively shut down, leading to soaring fuel prices and economic instability. In Irbil, Iraq, U.S.-led forces reportedly shot down five explosive-laden drones near a base housing American military advisers.

“

Iran will not bow to U.S. bullying... neither intimidated by threats nor will we yield to pressure.