U.S. military disables cargo vessel attempting to breach Iran blockade

Investing.com -- U.S. forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday after it attempted to breach Washington’s naval blockade of Iran, marking a fresh escalation in efforts to restrict Tehran’s maritime trade.

The St. Kitts-flagged ship had visited an Iranian port and was attempting to leave regional waters when an American military aircraft fired precision munitions at its stern, according to U.S. Central Command.

The military said personnel directed the vessel’s crew to leave the sections targeted before the strike. It did not provide details about casualties, damage beyond the disabled ship, or the vessel’s cargo.

The incident comes amid a months-long U.S. blockade intended to curb Iran’s exports and restrict access to materials that could support its military activities.

Central Command estimates the maritime restrictions have prevented Iran from exporting more than $25 billion worth of crude oil, highlighting the economic pressure Washington says it has imposed on Tehran.

In a separate announcement Saturday, the U.S. military said it was establishing a task force to disrupt Iranian shipments of advanced weapons and other sanctioned materials across land borders and through the Caspian Sea.

The expanded operation suggests Washington is seeking to close routes beyond the Gulf and surrounding shipping lanes, adding another layer of enforcement to its existing naval measures.

The developments come amid renewed threats of military action from President Donald Trump, who has warned that the United States could launch another offensive against Iran.

Tehran has responded with warnings of widespread retaliation against infrastructure across the Gulf, raising concerns about the security of regional facilities and commercial activity.

The confrontation also places renewed attention on energy shipments through waters near Iran, where restrictions on maritime traffic can complicate regional trade.

Central Command did not say whether the disabled vessel would be detained, allowed to proceed after repairs, or subjected to further enforcement action.