US Jet Disables Cargo Ship Defying Iran Blockade in Gulf of Oman

Image: Collected

United States forces have disabled a Panama-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly tried to breach the US naval blockade against Iran, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

A US fighter jet struck the stern of the M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the Arika Sun, with a precision munition on Saturday. CENTCOM said the strike “fully disabled” the vessel’s propulsion system without harming the crew.

The command said the ship had departed an Iranian port and was attempting to move through regional waters after its crew ignored repeated warnings.

CENTCOM said US forces resumed the blockade of ships entering or leaving Iranian ports on July 14. Since then, it says, US forces have disabled four commercial vessels and turned back 135 ships. The military also said it destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ “shadow network” during the same period.

The strike comes as tensions rise around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. CENTCOM has warned vessels in the Gulf of Oman and near the strait to obey blockade warnings, monitor maritime notices, and contact US naval forces on emergency radio channel 16.

Iran has not immediately commented on the latest strike.