The United States launched an attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman on Saturday, October 10, after its crew repeatedly disregarded warnings and attempted to bypass the naval blockade on Iran, according to the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).
A U.S. fighter jet deployed a precision-guided munition targeting the stern of the M/V Ocean Molica, also known as Arika Sun, which sails under the Panamanian flag. The strike rendered the ship's propulsion system completely inoperative, though no crew members were injured, as stated in CENTCOM's report.
Military officials explained that the vessel had previously departed from an Iranian port and was attempting to navigate through regional waters. CENTCOM also shared footage of the strike on social media platform X.
On July 14, Washington reinstated the naval blockade on ships entering or leaving Iranian ports. According to figures now released by CENTCOM, U.S. forces have disabled four commercial vessels and redirected another 135 over the past three months.
The command further noted that during this period, they have destroyed ten oil tankers linked to the clandestine maritime network of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. These statistics represent the official U.S. narrative.
CENTCOM reiterated that vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz must heed military warnings and navigational advisories, maintaining contact with U.S. naval forces on channel 16.
Understanding the U.S. Naval Blockade on Iran
Why did the U.S. attack the M/V Ocean Molica?
The U.S. attacked the M/V Ocean Molica after its crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to breach the naval blockade on Iran.
What is the purpose of the U.S. naval blockade on Iran?
The U.S. naval blockade aims to prevent vessels from entering or exiting Iranian ports as part of efforts to curb illicit maritime activities associated with Iran.
How many vessels have been affected by the blockade?
In the past three months, U.S. forces have disabled four commercial vessels and redirected 135 others in connection with the blockade on Iran.