A U.S. fighter jet bombed a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. The military said the ship’s crew disregarded repeated warnings and attempted to violate a declared blockade of Iranian ports.
CENTCOM stated the vessel was targeted after it failed to heed orders to halt its approach. The command did not immediately identify the ship’s flag or ownership, nor did it specify the nature of the cargo. The incident marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement operations linked to ongoing pressure campaigns against Iran.
Regional tensions have remained elevated as Washington seeks to restrict Tehran’s oil exports and military supply lines. The U.S. has maintained a robust naval presence in the Gulf of Oman and the Strait of Hormuz, citing the need to ensure freedom of navigation while enforcing sanctions.
Further details regarding the condition of the crew and the extent of damage to the vessel were not immediately released. An investigation into the engagement is underway.
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