The United States struck a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman which, according to the US military, was attempting to break through a maritime blockade of Iranian ports.
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), a US fighter jet hit the Panama-flagged vessel M/V Ocean Molica with precision-guided munitions. The strike damaged the ship’s propulsion system, leaving it unable to move under its own power. The crew were not injured.
CENTCOM said the vessel had previously departed an Iranian port and was attempting to transit through regional waters. US forces opened fire after the crew ignored warnings.
This is the first US strike on a vessel near Iran in more than a month. The last time the Pentagon reported attacks on Iranian vessels was in early September, when US forces struck five oil tankers belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Meanwhile, the IRGC said an oil supertanker attempting to leave the Strait of Hormuz hit a sea mine. The name of the vessel and details of any casualties were not disclosed. Iran claims the tanker was travelling along a dangerous route that Tehran had not authorised for use.
In recent days, Iran has stepped up attacks on commercial vessels transiting through and near the Strait of Hormuz. This has created new risks for maritime shipping and oil supplies.
- The escalation comes amid comments by US President Trump that American forces would not attack Iran before the US midterm elections, scheduled for 3 November.
- Trump also rejected Iran’s proposal for a seven-day ceasefire and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The US president also told his aides he expects possible strikes on Iran to resume after the US midterm elections in November.
- Iran has intensified attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations service reported nine attacks since the start of October.