US Central Command has reported that American forces fired on a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it repeatedly ignored warnings while attempting to enter an Iranian port, escalating tensions linked to the ongoing maritime blockade around Iran.
According to the statement, the Gambia-flagged cargo ship Lian Star disregarded more than 20 warnings issued by US forces overnight as it tried to proceed toward Iranian waters. US Central Command said the ship was later disabled after a missile struck its engine room. The vessel remains adrift, and reports indicate that US forces have not boarded it.
The incident marks one of the most serious maritime confrontations since the US introduced a blockade targeting Iranian port access on 17 April. Since then, military officials say six ships have been stopped while attempting to breach restricted waters, with only one permitted to continue its journey. A further 116 vessels have been redirected away from the area.
The blockade was introduced following the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East and Iran’s move to effectively restrict passage through key shipping routes. Washington says the measures are intended to limit Iranian exports and reduce revenue streams at a time of heightened regional conflict.
The latest action comes as diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes. US President Donald Trump met with advisers on Friday but has not yet confirmed whether he will approve a proposed framework aimed at extending the fragile ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The tentative plan under discussion would reportedly extend the ceasefire by 60 days and place limits on Iran’s nuclear programme in exchange for easing maritime restrictions. Iranian officials, however, have stated that no final agreement has been reached.
Meanwhile, shipping activity through the Strait of Hormuz continues at reduced levels. While Iran has claimed it must approve transits through the waterway, commercial vessels have continued to pass through under heightened security conditions.
Iranian authorities have warned that any violation of maritime rules in the region could result in military action. A statement carried by state television said foreign military vessels interfering with Iranian directives would be considered legitimate targets.
Tehran has also reportedly imposed transit fees on commercial shipping, in some cases reaching as high as $2 million. Maritime experts have described such charges as inconsistent with international norms governing freedom of navigation in global shipping lanes.
The US says its operations are aimed at enforcing maritime restrictions and maintaining pressure on Iran amid ongoing negotiations, while tensions remain high over the future of the ceasefire, nuclear talks and control of one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
