U.S. Central Command says American forces disabled a Panama-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in violation of the U.S. blockade against Iran.
CENTCOM said the incident occurred on August 11 and involved the M/V Vela Nova, whose movement toward Iran reportedly continued despite repeated warnings from U.S. forces.
Navy Helicopter Fires Missiles at Vessel
According to CENTCOM, a U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the vessel’s engine room after its civilian crew failed to comply with American instructions.
The strike disabled the ship’s steering gear, preventing the vessel from continuing toward Iran, according to the U.S. military.
CENTCOM did not provide information about casualties among the crew or the extent of damage beyond the disabling of the vessel’s steering and propulsion-related systems.
Washington Says Vessel Was Attempting to Reach Iran
The U.S. military alleged that the Vela Nova was attempting to transit the Gulf of Oman toward an Iranian port and thereby circumvent the blockade.
CENTCOM said the vessel was ultimately prevented from continuing its journey and described the intervention as enforcement of restrictions that remain fully in effect.
The circumstances surrounding the vessel’s intended cargo, destination and ownership were not detailed in the statement.
Dozens of Commercial Ships Intercepted
The Vela Nova incident comes as CENTCOM reports a growing number of interventions involving commercial vessels.
As of August 11, the command said U.S. forces had redirected 55 commercial vessels, disabled three non-compliant vessels and boarded two others while enforcing the blockade.
The figures indicate that maritime enforcement has become a significant component of Washington’s pressure campaign against Iran.
Gulf of Oman Becomes Enforcement Flashpoint
The reported attack highlights the increasingly confrontational environment surrounding commercial shipping near Iran.
The Gulf of Oman is a strategically important maritime corridor connecting the Arabian Sea with the Persian Gulf, making military enforcement measures in the area potentially consequential for international shipping.
The U.S. operation demonstrates that Washington is prepared to use force against vessels it determines are violating the blockade.
CENTCOM Issues Stark Warning
CENTCOM concluded its statement by emphasizing the readiness of U.S. forces operating throughout the Middle East.
The command said American forces remain highly vigilant and prepared to respond to vessels attempting to circumvent the blockade.
The reported disabling of the Vela Nova represents one of the most direct enforcement actions described by CENTCOM and underscores the heightened risks facing commercial shipping operating near Iranian ports.
