US disables ship allegedly trying to breach Iran port blockade

The US military on Saturday stopped another vessel in the Gulf of Oman allegedly attempting to break through the American blockade of Iranian ports, AP reported, citing officials.

The Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star ignored multiple warnings from US forces overnight as it tried to enter an Iranian port and was subsequently disabled by US aircraft, officials said.

The official said that US forces have not boarded it.

With the latest action, the US military has now stopped six ships trying to breach the blockade, while one vessel was allowed to proceed.

The blockade was launched on April 17 in response to Iran effectively closing the strait after the war began with US and Israeli strikes on February 28.

Events in the Strait of Hormuz between Iran and Oman have shaken the global economy, with shipments of significant amounts of oil, natural gas and related supplies such as fertilizer largely stranded, increasing pressure on consumers and food producers.

The US blockade seeks to limit Iran’s own shipments and further weaken its access to cash, adding to the strain on its long-weakened economy.

A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7, and attention is now focused on whether an agreement can be reached to extend it by 60 days while fresh talks are held on Iran’s disputed nuclear program.

US President Donald Trump met with advisers on Friday but has yet to decide whether to move ahead with a deal to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait. Iran has said the deal had not been finalised.

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