US Fires on Gambian-Flagged Cargo Ship as Part of Iran Blockade

The attack marked the fifth instance of U.S. forces utilizing disabling fire on a commercial vessel since the start of the Iran blockade.

Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) enforces a maritime blockade against an Iranian-flagged ship attempting to sail toward an Iranian port, April 24, 2026. U.S. Navy photo

U.S. forces fired on a cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman, damaging its engine in order to prevent it from reaching an Iranian port, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on May 30.

In a press statement on Saturday, CENTCOM said U.S. forces had observed the Gambian-flagged vessel M/V Lian Star approaching an Iranian port on May 29, despite an ongoing U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and maritime trade.