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US Forces Disable Merchant Vessel in Gulf of Oman Amid Iran Blockade

US Forces Disable Merchant Vessel in Gulf of Oman Amid Iran Blockade

First seen 11 Oct 2026, 06:30 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 11, 2026 at 17:31 UTC
  • •US forces disabled the Ocean Molica for attempting to breach an Iran blockade.
  • •The blockade enforcement has seen four vessels disabled and 135 turned around since July.
  • •Iran's IRGC also reported striking a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz amid escalating tensions.

On October 11, 2026, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that US forces disabled the Panama-flagged merchant vessel Ocean Molica in the Gulf of Oman after its crew ignored warnings and attempted to breach a naval blockade against Iran. A precision munition from a US fighter jet struck the ship's stern, disabling its propulsion while ensuring crew safety. This incident is part of a broader enforcement of a blockade that resumed on July 14, 2026, following a temporary halt. CENTCOM noted that during this enforcement, four vessels have been disabled and 135 ships turned around. Concurrently, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have struck another vessel in the Strait of Hormuz for taking an unauthorized route. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed the incident and is investigating the damage and environmental impact. The situation reflects heightened tensions in the region, with Iran asserting control over the Strait of Hormuz and warning against unauthorized shipping routes.

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Timeline

2026-07-14
US blockade enforcement resumed
CENTCOM reinstated the blockade against ships entering or leaving Iranian ports, following a temporary halt.
Aljazeera
2026-10-11
US disables Ocean Molica
A US fighter jet struck the Ocean Molica after the crew ignored warnings, disabling its propulsion without harming the crew.
Jpost
2026-10-11
IRGC strikes vessel in Strait of Hormuz
The IRGC claimed to have struck a tanker for taking an unauthorized route, asserting control over the strait.
Aljazeera

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Common questions

What prompted the US to strike the Ocean Molica?
The vessel attempted to bypass the US naval blockade against Iranian ports, ignoring multiple warnings.
What is the current status of the blockade?
The blockade has been strictly enforced since July 14, 2026, with several vessels disabled and turned around.
How is Iran responding to US actions?
Iran has asserted control over the Strait of Hormuz and has threatened to strike vessels taking unauthorized routes.