US forces strike Panama-flagged vessel in Gulf of Oman

U.S. forces launched two Hellfire missiles at a Panama-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday after the ship's crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings and continued sailing toward an Iranian port. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that its forces disabled the steering gear of the M/V Vela Nova after the cargo vessel attempted to transit toward Iran, violating an existing U.S. blockade.

According to CENTCOM, a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired the missiles into the vessel's engine room after the civilian crew failed to comply with warnings from American forces. "The ship is no longer transiting to Iran," CENTCOM stated, emphasizing that the U.S. blockade against Iran remains in effect. The command also noted that as of August 11, U.S. forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled three non-compliant vessels, and boarded two vessels attempting to circumvent the blockade.

This incident represents a significant escalation in the U.S. enforcement of maritime restrictions on commercial shipping heading toward Iranian ports. It occurs amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf of Oman and surrounding waters, underscoring the ongoing challenges in regional maritime security.

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The ship is no longer transiting to Iran.