The U.S. struck a merchant ship that failed to comply with military orders — Associated Press
Forces from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) attacked a commercial vessel that was attempting to break through the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and failed to comply with orders to stop. An official familiar with the situation confirmed the information to the agency.
This was reported by the Associated Press.
As a result of the strike by a U.S. aircraft, the vessel was disabled and immobilized, the source noted.
“The Gambian-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star ignored numerous warnings from U.S. forces while attempting to enter an Iranian port. The vessel was disabled by U.S. aircraft in the Gulf of Oman and remains adrift there,” the source said, adding that U.S. forces have not yet boarded the ship.
This is the sixth vessel that U.S. military forces have intercepted by force since the blockade began, the agency notes.
According to CENTCOM, during the naval blockade, the U.S. Navy has already diverted 115 Iran-linked merchant ships heading to or leaving Iranian ports.
Earlier, Iran and the U.S. exchangedaccusations following new strikes.
The day before, U.S. President Donald Trump announced significant progress in negotiations with Tehran, noting that as part of a potential agreement, Iran could transfer its highly enriched uranium to the United States.
Iran’s Supreme Leader has bannedthe transfer of enriched uranium.
