The U.S. attacked a Panamanian ship that was attempting to break the blockade of Iran
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it had struck the Panamanian-flagged container ship Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman. According to the U.S. military, the ship was attempting to breach the blockade and was heading toward an Iranian port.
According to CENTCOM, a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the ship, striking the engine room.
Prior to this, U.S. military personnel had warned the civilian crew several times; however, according to the command, the crew failed to comply with the orders. As a result of the strike, the ship lost propulsion.
According to Western media reports, all 17 crew members survived, and there were no reports of casualties among them.
CENTCOM reported that as of August 11, U.S. forces had diverted 55 vessels that, according to Washington, were attempting to circumvent the blockade of Iran.
In addition, three vessels were disabled for refusing to comply with the U.S. military’s demands, and two more were inspected after boarding.
The incident involving the Vela Nova was yet another episode of the U.S. enforcing its blockade by force amid the escalating situation surrounding Iran and the region’s key maritime routes.
CENTCOM announced this on social media platform X.
Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghai said that Tehran and Muscat are in the final stages of agreeing on a joint statement regarding the restoration of shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. According to him, bilateral dialogue is moving forward, and the agreement will be concluded provided there are no obstacles from third parties.
