U.S. disables merchant ship Vela Nova after attempt to breach blockade to Iran
U.S. forces fired missiles at the Panama‑flagged Vela Nova after the crew ignored warnings; five commercial vessels were diverted by Aug. 11.
The U.S. military disabled the steering and engine compartment of the Panama-flagged merchant vessel Vela Nova after the ship attempted to transit the Gulf of Oman to reach an Iranian port, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
“A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the merchant vessel Vela Nova after the civilian crew ignored repeated warnings from U.S. forces. The ship is no longer underway to Iran and is not breaching the U.S. blockade, which remains in effect,” the statement said.
CENTCOM said the action took place as the Vela Nova tried to pass through the Gulf of Oman toward Iranian waters while flying a Panamanian flag. U.S. forces focused their strikes on the ship’s propulsion and engineering spaces to ensure it could not continue on that course.
Diverted traffic and disabled ships
The command added that, as of August 11, five commercial vessels attempting to run the blockade had been diverted. Three of those ships were disabled after failing to comply with U.S. orders, CENTCOM reported.
The operation underscores Washington’s continued effort to prevent maritime deliveries to Iranian ports in the region. CENTCOM said the blockade remains active and that U.S. forces will continue to enforce maritime restrictions to block shipments deemed to support prohibited activities.
Photo: press material from the event
