American helicopter targets vessel’s rudder as crew evacuates safely amid continuing tensions between Washington and Tehran
WASHINGTON: US forces fired on a Panama-flagged container ship in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday after the vessel allegedly attempted to bypass Washington’s embargo on Iranian ports, according to a report citing a US official.
The Wall Street Journal reported that US Central Command forces targeted the Vela Nova during an operation earlier Tuesday morning.
According to the US official, American troops fired a missile from a helicopter and struck the ship’s rudder. The operation apparently aimed to disable the vessel rather than sink it.
Crew Evacuated After Missile Strike
Following the strike, authorities transferred the Vela Nova’s crew members to another vessel. Officials reported no deaths or injuries, while authorities accounted for everyone aboard the container ship.
Meanwhile, maritime security company Vanguard said the missile hit the vessel and started a fire onboard. However, crews subsequently extinguished the blaze.
Officials have not disclosed additional information about the ship’s cargo, destination or circumstances surrounding its alleged attempt to evade US restrictions.
Furthermore, American authorities have not publicly detailed whether they plan to seize the vessel or take additional enforcement action against its operators.
Incident Comes Amid US-Iran Diplomatic Standoff
The confrontation comes as Washington continues enforcing its blockade against Iranian ports while diplomatic efforts seek to prevent another escalation between the United States and Iran.
However, negotiations between the two countries remain stalled over efforts to end the blockade and establish a broader ceasefire arrangement.
The latest maritime incident highlights the continuing risks facing commercial shipping around the Gulf of Oman and the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Moreover, any further confrontations involving commercial vessels could increase regional tensions at a sensitive stage of negotiations.
Neither Iran nor the operators of the Vela Nova immediately issued a detailed response to the reported American action.
