Strait of Contention: US Blocks Iranian Shipping, Risks Regional Escalation The United States military's latest move to intercept a Panama flagged ship attempting to break its blockade of Iranian ports is a stark reminder of Washington's commitment to tightening restrictions on Tehran.
The operation, which involved a helicopter firing missiles into the engine room of the M/V Vela Nova, marks the third time this year American forces have forcibly halted a vessel bound for Iran.
The US Navy's MH 60 helicopter disabled the ship after its civilian crew ignored repeated warnings from American forces, CENTCOM claimed.