A US Navy helicopter fired missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship on Tuesday. The vessel had attempted to break the American blockade of Iranian ports.
The US military said the helicopter targeted the ship’s engine room. The strike disabled the vessel and stopped it from continuing toward Iran.
The incident marks another escalation in the ongoing confrontation between the United States and Iran. It also highlights growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
US Helicopter Strikes Cargo Ship
The US Navy MH-60 helicopter fired on the M/V Vela Nova, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).
CENTCOM said the helicopter targeted the vessel after its civilian crew ignored repeated warnings from American forces.
The command said the strike disabled the ship. It added that the vessel “is no longer transiting to Iran in violation of the US blockade.”
The incident represents the third time US forces have forcibly stopped a vessel since the ports blockade resumed on July 14.
The blockade has formed part of the broader US military campaign against Iran. Meanwhile, maritime traffic around the region has faced increasing disruption.
US Says 55 Ships Have Been Redirected
CENTCOM said US forces had redirected 55 ships attempting to run the blockade by Tuesday.
American forces have also boarded two other vessels during the current blockade.
The United States previously imposed a blockade on Iranian ports from April 13 to June 18. During that period, US forces disabled nine ships and redirected more than 140 vessels, according to CENTCOM.
The latest incident therefore adds to a growing number of vessels affected by the US maritime restrictions.
Iran Links Strait of Hormuz to Blockade
Iran has demanded that the United States end the ports blockade. Tehran has included the demand among its conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The strategic waterway was a major route for global oil and gas shipments before the war. However, maritime traffic has fallen sharply amid attacks on ships in the area.
Iran has been accused of carrying out those attacks. The disruption has consequently increased concerns over shipping through the strategically important waterway.
Trump Claims US Has Control of Strait
US President Donald Trump repeated his claim Tuesday that the United States has taken control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters, Trump said, “We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don’t have control. We have total control. We own it,”
His comments came as tensions continued to rise over the waterway and the US blockade of Iranian ports.
The latest strike adds another development to the growing confrontation between Washington and Tehran. At the same time, continued restrictions around Iranian ports are affecting maritime movement in the region.
The M/V Vela Nova incident also shows how the blockade is being enforced against vessels attempting to reach Iran. Further disruption could keep pressure on shipping routes around the Strait of Hormuz.
