GULF OF OMAN: The US military has disabled a commercial cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after its crew allegedly ignored warnings and attempted to breach the US naval blockade against Iran, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
CENTCOM said a US fighter jet struck the stern of the Panama-flagged ship, the M/V Ocean Molica, also known as the Arika Sun, using a precision-guided munition on Saturday.
The strike disabled the ship’s propulsion system, leaving it unable to continue its journey, but caused no injuries among the crew, according to CENTCOM.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said the ship had attempted to sail through regional waters after departing an Iranian port, despite warnings from US forces.
U.S. Forces Disable Cargo Vessel Attempting to Violate Blockade
TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces disabled a commercial cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, Oct. 10, after the ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings and attempted to run the ongoing naval blockade against Iran.
A U.S. military fighter jet struck the stern of Panama-flagged M/V Ocean Molica (also known as the “Arika Sun”) with a precision munition, fully disabling the ship’s propulsion without harming the crew. The large cargo vessel was attempting to transit regional waters after having previously departed an Iranian port.
CENTCOM forces resumed America’s blockade against all ships entering or departing Iranian ports on July 14. Four commercial vessels have been disabled and 135 ships have been turned around during three months of strict enforcement. Additionally, U.S. forces have destroyed 10 tankers linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ multibillion-dollar shadow network over the same period.
All mariners are advised to heed blockade warnings from CENTCOM forces. Crews should also continue to monitor Notice to Mariners broadcasts and contact U.S. naval forces on bridge-to-bridge channel 16 when operating in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz approaches.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 11, 2026
The incident highlights the enforcement of the US naval blockade against Iran, under which ships attempting to breach restrictions may face military action.
CENTCOM did not provide further details about the ship’s cargo, its intended destination or the subsequent arrangements for the ship and its crew.
READ ALSO: US Disables Two More Vessels in Gulf of Oman Over Iran Blockade: CENTCOM
US Central Command (CENTCOM) resumed the blockade of all ships entering or leaving Iranian ports on July 14. Over the following three months, US forces disabled four commercial ships and forced 135 others to turn back. They also destroyed 10 ships linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) multibillion-dollar shadow network.
CENTCOM has urged all mariners to comply with blockade warnings issued by its forces. Ships operating in the Gulf of Oman and near the Strait of Hormuz have also been advised to monitor Notices to Mariners broadcasts and contact US naval forces via bridge-to-bridge radio channel 16.
