US strikes Iran-linked cargo ship in Gulf of Oman, disables vessel

GULF OF OMAN: US forces have struck and disabled a commercial cargo vessel travelling from an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman after its crew allegedly ignored repeated warnings and attempted to breach a US naval blockade, according to American military officials.

The affected vessel, identified as MV Huda, was sailing under the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis when it was targeted by a US military aircraft, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

According to US officials, the ship had docked at an Iranian port before attempting to leave the region’s waters despite restrictions imposed under the naval blockade.

CENTCOM said American forces issued multiple warnings to the vessel’s crew, instructing them to comply with the blockade and change course. However, the crew allegedly continued its attempt to proceed despite repeated instructions.

The US military said that before launching the strike, the crew was specifically instructed to evacuate the sections of the vessel that were intended to be targeted.

After the warnings and evacuation instructions were allegedly ignored, a US military aircraft fired precision-guided weapons at the ship’s rear section.

The strike rendered the vessel incapable of continuing its journey, effectively disabling it in the Gulf of Oman.

US officials said the operation was carried out as part of efforts to enforce the naval restrictions on maritime traffic connected to Iran.

The incident highlights growing tensions surrounding maritime movements in the strategically important Gulf of Oman, a key shipping corridor linking the Arabian Sea with the Persian Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz.

The region has remained under close international attention because of its importance to global energy supplies and commercial shipping.

The latest strike also raises questions about the security of commercial vessels operating near Iranian ports and the potential consequences of enforcing naval restrictions in international waters.

Details about the condition of the MV Huda’s crew, possible casualties and the extent of damage to the vessel were not provided in the available US military statement.

The incident marks another significant development in the confrontation involving Washington and Tehran, with maritime security and freedom of navigation remaining major concerns in the region.