US Military Strikes Steering of Cargo Vessel Attempting to Breach Iran Blockade
US forces disabled steering of a Panama-flagged cargo ship trying to enter an Iranian port amid ongoing blockade enforcement.
The United States military launched missiles targeting the steering system of a Panama-flagged cargo ship attempting to breach the US-enforced blockade of Iran. The strike took place in the Gulf of Oman as tensions escalate around the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
US Intercepts Cargo Ship Trying to Enter Iranian Port
On August 11, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the container vessel M/V Vela Nova was intercepted after it ignored repeated warnings issued by US forces while attempting to navigate through the Gulf of Oman to an undisclosed Iranian port. US Navy MH-60 helicopters fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship's engine compartment, disabling its steering system and preventing further movement.
This action is part of an ongoing US operation to enforce a maritime blockade around Iran. CENTCOM noted that as of the attack date, US forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels attempting to breach the blockade, disabled three ships that violated restrictions, and boarded two others.
"After the civilian crew ignored repeated warnings from US forces, a MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the Vela Nova's engine compartment," CENTCOM said, emphasizing the disabling of the ship's steering capabilities.
According to maritime tracking service VesselFinder, the last known location of the Vela Nova was on August 6 in the Indian port of Navi Mumbai (Nava Sheva), prior to its attempted approach to Iranian waters.
President Trump Affirms US Control Over Strait of Hormuz
US President Donald Trump publicly stated that the United States maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.
"Things with Iran are going just great. We fully control the Strait of Hormuz," Trump told reporters. He expressed distrust toward the Iranian government and warned that any aggressive actions by Iran would result in decisive US retaliation.
"If the Iranians do anything, they will be hit very hard," Trump added.
In recent days, Iranian authorities have proposed new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping. These demands include compensation payments for damages caused by previous conflicts and the lifting of US sanctions.
