US disables ship in Gulf of Oman; Iran warns vessels in Hormuz

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it had disabled a Gambia-flagged commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman for attempting to breach the American naval blockade on Iran. The ship’s engine room was struck by a Hellfire missile after it ignored more than 20 warnings.

This action is part of ongoing US efforts to restrict maritime trade with Iran. According to US officials, 116 commercial ships have been diverted since May 29. The disabled vessel is currently adrift in the Gulf of Oman.

Meanwhile, the Iranian military issued a stern warning to all commercial ships and oil tankers, stating that any attempt to transit the Strait of Hormuz without Iranian permission or by deviating from the designated route could have dangerous consequences. The warning came after 24 vessels successfully passed through the strait with Iranian navy cooperation following a US announcement that it was lifting its blockade.

In a related development, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister stated that a temporary toll tax by Iran for services like mine-clearing in the strait could be discussed, but a permanent tax would be unacceptable as it would ultimately be borne by consumers.