WASHINGTON – In a recent development, the U.S. military intercepted another merchant vessel attempting to bypass the American blockade on Iranian ports, according to a U.S. official familiar with the incident, who spoke to The Associated Press on Saturday.
The official, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of military operations, reported that the Gambia-flagged bulk carrier, Lian Star, disregarded multiple warnings from U.S. forces as it aimed to dock at an Iranian port. The U.S. aircraft subsequently disabled the ship in the Gulf of Oman, leaving it adrift, though U.S. forces have yet to board it.
This interception marks the sixth attempt by ships to breach the blockade, with only one vessel successfully permitted to continue its journey.
The blockade, initiated by the U.S. on April 17, came in response to Iran effectively closing the strait following the onset of conflict from U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. A tenuous ceasefire has been in place since April 7, as the international community anticipates the possibility of extending the truce by 60 days to facilitate further negotiations on Iran’s contentious nuclear program.
The tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, have significantly impacted the global economy. The disruption has stranded substantial shipments of oil, natural gas, and related products like fertilizer, increasing pressure on consumers and food producers worldwide.
The U.S. blockade aims to restrict Iran’s trade capabilities, further limiting its financial inflow, and intensifying the economic challenges faced by the already strained Iranian economy.
U.S. President Donald Trump met with advisers on Friday but has yet to decide on whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Iran has said the deal had not been finalized.
