The United States military says it struck a commercial cargo vessel trying to force its way through a blockade of Iranian ports, hitting the ship’s engine room with a missile, according to U.S. Central Command.
The Gambia-flagged cargo ship ‘Lian Star’reportedly ignored more than 20 warnings from U.S. forces overnight as it attempted to enter an Iranian port, the military said.
A U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ship was left drifting in the Gulf of Oman and had not been boarded by U.S. forces.
The incident marks the latest in a series of enforcement actions, with the U.S. military saying it has now stopped six ships trying to breach the blockade. One vessel was allowed to pass, while more than 100 others have been redirected.
The blockade was launched on April 17 in response to tensions in the region after earlier U.S. and Israeli strikes in late February. A fragile ceasefire has been in place since early April, while diplomatic discussions continue over extending it and addressing Iran’s nuclear programme.
U.S. officials say the blockade aims to restrict Iran’s shipping activity and limit its access to revenue, adding pressure on an already struggling economy.
President Donald Trump met advisers on Friday but has not yet decided on extending the ceasefire agreement and reopening key maritime routes. Iran, meanwhile, says no final agreement has been reached.
Despite tensions, commercial shipping continues to pass through the region, though at reduced levels. Iran has insisted it must approve transit through the waterway.
Iran’s joint military command warned that any violation of its regulations would put vessels at serious risk, according to a statement carried by state media. It also said foreign military interference could be targeted.
Iran has also reportedly imposed high transit fees in some cases, a move critics say violates international maritime norms guaranteeing free navigation.
Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani said his country opposes charging transit fees, though he noted that temporary arrangements linked to operations such as mine-clearing could be negotiated to help restore normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
A U.S. official earlier told The Associated Press that no mines have been discovered or destroyed in the strait so far.