US Navy Fires Missile at Cargo Ship Attempting to Breach Iran Blockade

Kathmandu. The US military has fired a missile into the engine room of a cargo ship that tried to break the blockade and enter Iran's ports.

According to the US Central Command, the US military gave more than 20 warnings to a cargo ship flying the flag of Gambia as it attempted to enter Iran's port. After ignoring the warnings, a missile was fired at the ship's engine area.

Currently, the ship is inoperable in the Gulf of Oman. The US military has not yet boarded and taken control of the ship.

According to the US military, 6 ships heading to Iran have been stopped since the blockade began. One of these ships was later allowed to proceed, while 116 ships were forced to change their course.

The US imposed a maritime blockade on Iran on April 17, 2026. This step was taken after Iran effectively closed off passage in the Strait of Hormuz region. The war in West Asia began on February 28 after the US and Israel attacked Iran.

Currently, the ceasefire that occurred on April 7 is in effect. However, discussions are underway to extend the ceasefire by 60 days to negotiate Iran's nuclear program.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important oil shipping routes. Tensions there have affected the supply of goods such as oil, natural gas, and fertilizer, putting pressure on the global economy and consumers.

The objective of the blockade imposed by the US is said to be to create further pressure on Iran's economy by limiting its trade and oil exports.