In brief
The US Central Command reports that an MH‑60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the Panama‑flagged cargo vessel M/V Vela Nova as it attempted to transgress the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman. According to the statement released on X, the missile strike disabled the vessel’s steering gear, forcing it to abort the planned transit to Iranian waters. The US blockade of Iranian ports began in April following failed negotiations. Central Command noted that 55 commercial vessels have been redirected, three non‑compliant vessels disabled, and two boarded as part of enforcement operations. Iran has yet to comment on the incident, underscoring the tension in the region as the United States continues to enforce its trade and security restrictions against Iran.
The US Central Command reports that an MH‑60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the Panama‑flagged cargo vessel M/V Vela Nova as it attempted to transgress the US blockade of Iranian ports in the Gulf of Oman.
According to the statement released on X, the missile strike disabled the vessel’s steering gear, forcing it to abort the planned transit to Iranian waters. Central Command said the ship’s civilian crew had ignored repeated warnings from American forces before the strike.
The US blockade of Iranian ports began in April following a series of failed negotiations. The command noted that 55 commercial vessels have been redirected, three non‑compliant vessels disabled, and two boarded as part of enforcement operations.
Iran has yet to comment on the incident. The incident underscores the tension in the region as the United States continues to enforce its trade and security restrictions against Iran.
By Jaroslav Lukiv
