U.S. Military Engages Vessel in Gulf of Oman to Enforce Iran Port Blockade

On Tuesday, a U.S. helicopter launched missiles into the engine compartment of a Panama‑flagged cargo vessel that was attempting to breach the American blockade of Iran’s ports, according to the United States military.

The U.S. Navy MH‑60 helicopter targeted and disabled the M/V Vela Nova after its civilian crew repeatedly ignored warnings from American forces, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported on social media, noting that the vessel is no longer proceeding toward Iran in violation of the blockade.

Casualties were not initially reported.

Earlier, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident in the Gulf of Oman involving a container ship and military forces, though it offered no further details.

This marked the third occasion in a months‑long campaign against Iran that the United States forcibly stopped a vessel after reinstating the ports blockade on July 14.

CENTCOM said it had redirected 55 ships attempting to breach the blockade and boarded two additional vessels by Tuesday.

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