On Saturday, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled the M/V Huda cargo ship, flying the flag of Saint Kitts and Nevis, in the Gulf of Oman. This action was taken after the ship's crew ignored multiple warnings and repeatedly attempted to defy the U.S. naval blockade against Iran, according to a statement from the military organization.
CENTCOM's release, shared on social media, detailed that a military aircraft fired precision munitions at the ship's stern, rendering it inoperable. Prior to the strike, U.S. forces instructed the civilian crew to evacuate designated target areas. The vessel was trying to leave regional waters after making a stop at an Iranian port.
This incident occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region. On the same day, the Iranian Navy reported that another tanker caught fire after colliding with a naval mine in the eastern part of the Strait of Hormuz, adding to two ships that faced similar incidents on Friday in this critical maritime route.
The day before, President Donald Trump confirmed new limited strikes on an Iranian anti-aircraft defense system on Qeshm Island, which he claimed was destroyed within minutes. The Wall Street Journal noted that Washington has been conducting minor attacks on defensive infrastructure on the island for weeks to weaken Iran's control over the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM stated that since the blockade's resumption in July 2026, their forces have redirected 147 commercial ships and immobilized five merchant vessels that refused to comply with orders. The organization also referenced the prior destruction of 10 Iranian commercial tankers allegedly linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) network. According to CENTCOM's unverified estimates, the blockade has prevented Iran from exporting over $25 billion in oil.
In tandem, CENTCOM announced the formation of Task Force Iron Gate, a group of about 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. This unit is tasked with preventing Iran from transporting weapons and sanctioned materials via land routes and the Caspian Sea.
Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, stated that the new unit "will further restrict Iran's ability to fund terrorism, rebuild weapons factories, and resupply its military forces."
The strike on the M/V Huda is not the first of its kind in the Gulf of Oman. In mid-October, U.S. forces bombed the M/V Ocean Molica—also known as Arika Sun, under the Panamanian flag—for attempting to breach the blockade, with no injuries reported in that instance.
CENTCOM issued a direct warning to international mariners: "All sailors navigating near Iranian coastal areas or surrounding waters are advised to heed blockade warnings issued by U.S. forces."
Understanding the U.S. Naval Blockade Against Iran
What was the reason for disabling the M/V Huda?
The M/V Huda was disabled by U.S. forces because its crew ignored multiple warnings and attempted to violate the U.S. naval blockade against Iran.
What actions has the U.S. taken to enforce the blockade?
Since the blockade's resumption, U.S. forces have redirected 147 commercial ships and immobilized five merchant vessels. They have also engaged in strikes against Iranian infrastructure to weaken its control over vital maritime routes.
What is the Task Force Iron Gate?
Task Force Iron Gate is a newly formed group of about 20 civilian and military personnel based in Tampa, Florida. It aims to prevent Iran from transporting weapons and sanctioned materials through land routes and the Caspian Sea.