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US Fires Hellfire Missiles, Halts Vessel Amid Gulf Blockade

8/12/2026

32 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

US Forces Fire

U.S. forces used an MH-60 helicopter to fire two Hellfire missiles at M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman on 11 August 2026.
The missiles struck the engine room, disabling steering gear after the crew ignored repeated warnings.
CENTCOM announced the vessel will no longer transit to Iran, the third forced halt since the blockade was reinstated on 14 July 2026.

Summary

Iran Blocks Strait

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait will stay closed until the United States withdraws forces and pays reparations.
President Donald Trump said the United States seeks compensation from Iran for all killings over five decades.
Supreme National Security Council secretary Mohsen Rezaei said the waterway won’t reopen unless the United States changes its behaviour and accepts Tehran’s terms, and that any Oman pact is separate.

History

Historical Context

On 18 April 1988, after an Iranian mine damaged the frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts during Operation Earnest Will, the United States carried out Operation Praying Mantis, sinking two Iranian frigates and two oil platforms. In August 2026, CENTCOM used an MH-60 helicopter to launch Hellfire missiles at the merchant ship M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman, reflecting a maritime stance rooted in those 1988 confrontations.

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US Forces Fire

U.S. forces used an MH-60 helicopter to fire two Hellfire missiles at M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman on 11 August 2026.
The missiles struck the engine room, disabling steering gear after the crew ignored repeated warnings.
CENTCOM announced the vessel will no longer transit to Iran, the third forced halt since the blockade was reinstated on 14 July 2026.

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