US Warplane Damages Ship Trying to Break Iran Port Blockade

The United States military has confirmed that a US Navy warplane fired upon and disabled the rudder of an Iranian oil tanker that was attempting to breach Washington's blockade of Iranian ports. This aggressive action, reported by CNA, marks the second time US forces have resorted to firing on a vessel since the blockade was implemented on April 13.

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disabled the tanker's rudder by firing several rounds from (its) 20mm cannon gun.

According to a statement from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Iranian-flagged tanker, M/T Hasna, was warned that it was violating the blockade. However, its crew reportedly "failed to comply." In response, a US F/A-18 Super Hornet "disabled the tanker's rudder by firing several rounds from (its) 20mm cannon gun." CENTCOM emphasized that "Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran" and that the blockade remains "in full effect."

This incident follows a similar event on April 19, when another Iranian-flagged ship, the M/V Touska, ignored multiple warnings from a US destroyer. In that case, US forces disabled the vessel by firing on its engine room. These actions occur in the context of heightened tensions, with Tehran's forces having effectively closed the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway after the start of the US-Israeli air campaign against Iran on February 28.

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Hasna is no longer transiting to Iran.

The US announced its blockade of Iranian ports after peace talks in Pakistan failed to yield a breakthrough last month. CENTCOM also reported that over 50 commercial vessels have been directed to turn around or return to port to comply with the blockade. From the perspective of US military operations, these actions are presented as necessary measures to enforce the blockade and deter violations, reflecting a firm stance in the ongoing maritime security operations in the region.

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The US blockade against ships attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in full effect.