US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that the Panama-flagged cargo ship M/V Vela Nova was heading toward Iran via the Gulf of Oman, attempting to violate the US blockade. The command reported that the vessel was heading toward a port in Iran and did not change course despite repeated warnings from US forces.
A US Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the M/V Vela Nova. CENTCOM stated that the ship's steering system was disabled during the engagement.
After the attack, the M/V Vela Nova's movement toward Iran was halted. Sources differed slightly in their description, with some stating the voyage was stopped and others noting the ship was no longer on course toward Iran.
It was initially unclear whether anyone was injured or killed in the incident. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported an incident in the Gulf of Oman involving a container ship and armed forces without naming a country.
Blockade context
Tehran has effectively blockaded the Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, since the war began in late February. The US has been blocking Iranian ports and coastal areas since mid-July, with one of the goals being to deny Tehran revenue from oil exports.
Ships are not allowed to head to or depart from Iranian ports. Before the war, approximately one-fifth of global oil and liquefied gas shipments passed through the Strait of Hormuz.
There have been repeated instances of ships being fired upon and tankers being forced to change course as a result of the blockade. CENTCOM stated that as of August 11, the routes of 55 commercial ships attempting to breach the US blockade on Iran had been diverted.
The command also provided figures on other enforcement actions. As of August 11, CENTCOM stated that 3 ships had been disabled and 2 ships had been boarded, though these specific figures remain unverified.
