CENTCOM Disables Panama-Flagged Ship Trying to Breach US Blockade on Iran
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U.S. Central Command announced on August 11 that its forces disabled the Panama-flagged cargo ship M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach the U.S. blockade on Iran by heading to an Iranian port. A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the ship’s engine room after the civilian crew ignored warnings, CENTCOM said. The vessel was no longer moving toward Iran and the blockade remained fully in effect.
The Interception
CENTCOM forces disabled the M/V Vela Nova early on Aug. 11 after the Panama-flagged cargo ship entered the Gulf of Oman and set course for an Iranian port, violating the U.S. blockade. The civilian crew ignored warnings, prompting a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter to fire two Hellfire missiles into the engine room. The strike left the vessel unable to continue toward Iran, CENTCOM said in a statement. No casualties were reported.
Blockade Enforcement
As of Aug. 11, CENTCOM said 55 commercial ships had been diverted from attempting to breach the blockade. Two vessels have been seized and three disabled, including the Vela Nova, since the blockade was imposed. The blockade remains fully in effect, with U.S. forces actively interdicting unauthorized shipments to Iran.
What's Next
CENTCOM is expected to continue enforcing the blockade amid heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program. It remains unclear whether Iran or other nations will challenge the blockade through diplomatic or military means.
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CENTCOM Disables Panama-Flagged Ship Trying to Breach US Blockade on Iran
