U.S. forces fired on and disabled a Gambian-flagged cargo ship, the M/V Lian Star, in the Gulf of Oman on May 29, according to a statement from U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). The vessel was approaching an Iranian port despite an ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian maritime trade. CENTCOM reported that the ship ignored multiple warnings before being struck by a missile, rendering it unable to maneuver. The blockade, imposed on April 17, aims to pressure Iran by restricting its oil exports and access to cash. Since its inception, U.S. forces have stopped six ships attempting to breach the blockade, allowing only one to proceed.
The blockade follows Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a conflict with the U.S. and Israel began on February 28. A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7, but negotiations to extend it and address Iran's nuclear program remain unresolved. The U.S. has not yet decided whether to proceed with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Meanwhile, commercial traffic continues to flow through the strait, though at reduced volumes, despite Iran's assertion that it must approve all transits.
The U.S. blockade has disrupted global oil and natural gas shipments, increasing strain on consumers and food producers. Iran has stated that no deal has been finalized, while the U.S. seeks to further weaken Iran's economy by limiting its access to cash. The latest incident raises questions about the effectiveness and consequences of the blockade, as well as the potential for further escalation in the region.