U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the body responsible for US military operations in the Middle East, announced on social media platform X on 6/5 that US forces had warned the Iranian-flagged M/T Hasna, which was not carrying cargo at the time, that it was violating a blockade. However, the vessel "failed to comply" with the request.

Consequently, a US F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet fired several rounds from its 20 mm cannon, disabling the oil tanker's rudder, according to CENTCOM.

"The M/T Hasna is no longer moving towards Iran. The US blockade against vessels attempting to enter or depart Iranian ports remains in effect," CENTCOM stated.

The M/T Hasna. Photo: Marine Traffic.

This marks the second time the US military has fired upon a vessel accused of violating the blockade, which has been in effect since 13/4. Previously, on 19/4, the Iranian-flagged M/V Touska also ignored multiple warnings from a US destroyer. The US warship ultimately ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before firing upon and disabling the vessel.

The US announced its naval blockade of Iranian ports on 13/4, following a lack of breakthrough in peace talks in Pakistan last month. Maritime activity in the Strait of Hormuz has nearly halted due to strict controls by Iranian forces, as Iran believes this leverage will compel the US to make concessions and end the conflict.

On 4/5, CENTCOM reported that more than 50 commercial vessels "have been ordered to turn back or return to port" to comply with the US blockade.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of Tehran's negotiating delegation, stated on 6/5 that the US is attempting to force Iran into surrender through various means, including the naval blockade.

"In its new plan, the enemy seeks to destroy the nation's unity through naval blockade, economic pressure, and media manipulation, to force us to surrender," he said in a post on his Telegram channel.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz and Gulf ports. Graphic: WSJ.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei also confirmed on the same day that Tehran is reviewing the US proposal for a conflict resolution agreement and will convey its position via intermediary Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump said on 6/5 that if Tehran agrees to the terms already agreed upon, the conflict will end. Otherwise, the US will bomb Iran "with greater intensity and scale than before."

By Thanh Tam (AFP).