The U.S. military has intercepted another merchant ship attempting to breach its blockade on Iranian ports, as reported by a credible source on Saturday. The Lian Star, flying the flag of Gambia, ignored repeated warnings from U.S. forces while approaching an Iranian port. U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel in the Gulf of Oman, leaving it adrift. As of now, U.S. forces have not boarded the Lian Star.
This incident marks the sixth ship halted by the U.S. military since initiating the blockade. One vessel previously succeeded in continuing its passage. The blockade was enforced on April 17 following Iran’s closure of the strait after hostilities commenced with U.S. and Israeli strikes on February 28. A tenuous ceasefire has been maintained since April 7, with the global community anticipating negotiations extending the ceasefire for 60 days, which would include further dialogue over Iran’s nuclear program.
Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have significantly disrupted the global economy. Key oil, natural gas, and essential commodities like fertilizer shipments have been stranded, putting pressure on consumers and the agricultural sector. The U.S. blockade aims to constrict Iran’s shipments further, exacerbating its already struggling economy. Discussions at the White House are ongoing, with President Donald Trump weighing the decision to extend the ceasefire and reopen the strait, although no resolutions have been finalized.
Commercial transport has continued, albeit at reduced levels, despite Iran’s claims of needing approval for passage. Iran’s joint military command issued a statement warning that any violations could threaten the safety of those transiting the strait, emphasizing a serious risk for interfering vessels. In a significant move, Iran has imposed tolls on passage, with fees soaring to $2 million, which experts say contradicts international maritime trade principles of free navigation.
Qatar’s deputy prime minister, Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman bin Hassan bin Ali Al Thani, expressed opposition to imposing fees for transit. He remarked that certain fees could be discussed if they fund activities such as mine clearing, potentially facilitating the return to normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz. There have been no reports of mines detected or removed by the U.S., according to previous information from the official.