US military fires missile at cargo ship heading for Iran

U.S. military forces have fired a missile at a cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, disabling its engine room and halting its progress toward an Iranian port. The ship, identified as the M/V "Lian Star" and sailing under the flag of Gambia, was targeted because it was allegedly violating a U.S. blockade imposed on Iranian ports.

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Forces from U.S. Central Command observed M/V "Lian Star" sailing through international waters toward an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman and issued more than 20 warnings, while also informing the vessel that it was in violation of the U.S. blockade.

According to a statement released by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, the vessel was observed sailing through international waters toward Iran. CENTCOM reported issuing more than 20 warnings to the ship's crew, informing them that they were breaching the U.S. blockade. The blockade against Iranian ports reportedly came into effect on April 13, prohibiting ships from traveling to or from Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf.

When the crew of the "Lian Star" failed to alter their course or comply with the warnings, U.S. forces deployed a Hellfire missile. The missile struck the ship's engine room, effectively disabling the vessel. CENTCOM confirmed that the ship is no longer en route to Iran.

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A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile at the ship's engine room after the crew of the "Lian Star" failed to comply.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and maritime security concerns in the region, particularly concerning the enforcement of international sanctions and blockades. The U.S. military's action underscores its commitment to enforcing the blockade, even when it involves engaging with vessels operating in international waters.

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The ship is no longer en route to Iran.