GULF OF OMAN: The United States military has disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly attempted to violate the US naval blockade against Iran, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM).
The incident took place on Saturday, November 7, when a US military aircraft fired precision guided munitions at the vessel’s stern, leaving the ship disabled.
CENTCOM identified the vessel as the M/V Huda, a cargo ship registered under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis. According to the US military, the vessel had visited an Iranian port and was attempting to leave regional waters when the incident occurred.
US military says crew ignored repeated warnings
- In a statement, CENTCOM said the vessel’s civilian crew ignored repeated warnings and made multiple attempts to violate the US naval blockade against Iran.
- Before carrying out the strike, US forces reportedly instructed the crew to abandon the targeted areas of the vessel.
- A US military aircraft subsequently fired precision munitions at the ship’s stern, disabling it.
- However, CENTCOM did not provide detailed information about the condition of the crew or the extent of damage to the vessel.
US blockade against Iran
- The incident comes amid continued enforcement of the US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports.
- According to CENTCOM, since July 2026, US forces have redirected 147 commercial vessels that complied with blockade instructions and disabled five merchant ships that refused to comply.
- CENTCOM also said it had previously destroyed 10 Iranian commercial oil tankers allegedly connected to a multi billion dollar shadow network operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
- The US military has advised commercial vessels operating near Iranian coastal areas and surrounding waters to follow its blockade warnings.
US expands pressure on Iran’s supply routes
- In a related development, CENTCOM announced the establishment of a new task force called Task Force Iron Gate.
- The new unit will work with US government agencies to restrict the movement of advanced weapons systems, dual use technologies, sanctioned materials and other prohibited goods across Iran’s land borders and the Caspian Sea.
- The initiative aims to extend US efforts beyond the naval blockade and disrupt supply routes that Washington believes could support Iran’s military capabilities.
Rising regional tensions
- The latest maritime incident comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran.
- US President Donald Trump has warned of possible further military action against Iran, while Iranian authorities have warned of retaliation against threats to the country.
- The Gulf of Oman and the nearby Strait of Hormuz are strategically important international shipping routes, carrying significant volumes of global oil and other commercial cargo.
- Any further military escalation in these waters could raise concerns about maritime security, international trade and global energy supplies.
- The situation remains sensitive as military activity and diplomatic efforts continue in the region.
Source: US Central Command (CENTCOM), Reuters and Associated Press reporting.
