U.S. Forces Disable Iranian-Bound Vessel in Gulf of Oman

U.S. Central Command said that earlier today its forces disabled the steering gear of the Panama-flagged cargo vessel M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman. The ship was attempting to violate the U.S. blockade against Iran by sailing toward an Iranian port, and its civilian crew ignored repeated warnings.

A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the vessel's engine room to stop the transit. The action was taken to enforce the blockade, with no further details provided on casualties or damage beyond the steering gear.

The incident highlights the ongoing tension in the region as the U.S. continues to intercept vessels suspected of carrying Iranian oil. The Gulf of Oman remains a key chokepoint, and any escalation could impact shipping and energy markets.