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By Aurax Radio | May 31, 2026 | 2 min read
The United States said it disabled another commercial vessel attempting to reach an Iranian port in defiance of a naval blockade imposed during the ongoing regional conflict. The incident comes as diplomatic efforts continue to preserve a fragile ceasefire and prevent renewed fighting around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
Commercial ships transit near the Strait of Hormuz as the United States continues enforcement of a blockade targeting Iranian ports during ongoing ceasefire negotiations.
The U.S. military said Friday that it struck the engine room of a cargo ship attempting to enter an Iranian port after the vessel ignored repeated warnings from American forces operating in the Gulf of Oman. U.S. Central Command identified the ship as the Gambia-flagged Lian Star and said it remained adrift after the operation. American officials said the vessel was not boarded and that the action was taken to enforce a blockade established in April following the escalation of hostilities between the United States, Israel and Iran.
According to U.S. officials, the ship ignored more than 20 warnings before military aircraft disabled its propulsion system. The latest interception marks at least the sixth vessel stopped while attempting to reach Iranian ports since the blockade began. U.S. authorities said more than 100 other ships have been redirected during the operation, which Washington says is aimed at restricting Iran’s ability to move goods and generate revenue while negotiations continue over security and nuclear issues.
A U.S. Navy warship patrols the Gulf of Oman as American forces enforce restrictions on vessels attempting to enter Iranian ports.
The blockade was imposed after Iran effectively disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz during a conflict that began in late February. Although a ceasefire has largely held since early April, tensions have remained high amid sporadic military incidents and continued enforcement actions at sea. The waterway, located between Iran and Oman, handles a significant share of the world's oil and natural gas shipments, making any disruption a major concern for global energy markets and international trade.
Diplomatic discussions involving the United States, Iran and regional mediators have focused on extending the ceasefire and reopening pathways for commercial shipping. However, disagreements remain over Iran’s nuclear program, maritime security arrangements and the future of sanctions. Analysts and shipping operators continue to monitor developments closely, as repeated confrontations involving commercial vessels have highlighted the risks facing one of the world's most important maritime corridors.
Sources: Information reported by Associated Press, Reuters, The Washington Post, THV11 and U.S. Central Command.