The United States military has intercepted another merchant vessel attempting to break through the blockade of Iranian ports. A U.S. official, who spoke anonymously about military operations, confirmed the incident to The Associated Press.
The bulk carrier Lian Star, under the flag of The Gambia, did not heed several warnings from U.S. forces as it tried to enter an Iranian port. U.S. aircraft disabled the ship in the Gulf of Oman, where it currently remains adrift. Despite not boarding the ship, this event marks the sixth attempt by vessels to breach the blockade, with one successfully proceeding.
This blockade commenced on April 17, reacting to Iran’s effective closure of the strait after conflicts involving U.S. and Israeli strikes began on February 28. A ceasefire has been in place since April 7, although talks are ongoing to extend it for another 60 days and discuss Iran’s nuclear program. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have disrupted global oil, gas, and fertilizer shipments, affecting the economy by straining supply chains for consumers and food producers.
The blockade aims to limit Iran’s economic activities by restricting its shipments and cash flow. President Donald Trump met with advisors recently but has yet to decide on extending the ceasefire or reopening the strait. Discussions for a deal continue, although Iran says no agreement has been finalized.
Despite Iran’s requirement for transit approval, commerce through the strait has persisted, albeit at reduced levels. Iran’s military warned that any violations of transit regulations could threaten passage security, and has expressed readiness to target military vessels interfering with safety measures.
Iran has controversially charged transit tolls as high as $2 million, which experts view as a breach of international maritime navigation principles. Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, Qatar’s deputy prime minister, commented on Saturday that the Gulf nation opposes high transit fees. He noted that temporary tolls for mine clearing or similar uses could be negotiable to normalize Strait of Hormuz transits.
The U.S. official noted that there have been no discoveries or destructions of mines by the United States in the strait.