By Admin 
US-Iran Tensions: Amidst the ongoing tension between America and Iran, the US Army has taken a major military step and fired a Hellfire missile at a commercial cargo ship. The US military claims that the ship ignored repeated warnings and tried to proceed towards an Iranian port despite the US naval blockade.
A ceasefire is in force between America and Iran, but tension still remains in the region. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has warned that if diplomatic efforts fail, the US military is fully prepared to take military action against Iran again.
Engine room was targeted
According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the Gambian-flagged cargo ship “Lian Star” was en route to an Iranian port via the Gulf of Oman. The US military claimed that the ship was traveling in international waters, but was in violation of the US blockade.
Centcom said that warnings were given more than 20 times overnight to stop the ship, but the ship did not respond. After this, American forces targeted the engine room of the ship by firing Hellfire missiles, due to which the speed of the ship stopped.
The ship is no longer heading towards Iran
After the attack, Centcom said that the ship is no longer heading towards Iran. However, the US Army did not give any detailed information about the current status of the ship. According to the report of the Associated Press, an American official associated with this operation said that the ship is currently in a state of drift in the Gulf of Oman and American soldiers have not taken any action after boarding it.
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Sixth ship stopped under US blockade
This action has been taken under the US naval blockade started in April. According to the US military, so far six ships have been stopped while trying to break the blockade. According to the report, one of these ships was later allowed to proceed, while the route of more than 116 ships was changed and sent in other directions. On Friday, Centcom said that at least 115 ships have been diverted since the blockade came into force.
Controversy increases over Strait of Hormuz
The US imposed the blockade after Iran effectively blocked traffic through the Strait of Hormuz after the current conflict began. The conflict began following attacks by the US and Israel on February 28, following which there has been continued tension over maritime traffic and security in the region.
Uncertainty over the future of the ceasefire
Amidst this military action, there is uncertainty regarding the ceasefire implemented between America and Iran. The ceasefire has largely been in place since the beginning of April, but talks are now underway between the two countries for a possible extension of 60 days. There are plans to continue talks on Iran’s disputed nuclear program during this period.
Trump held a high level meeting
According to the report, US President Donald Trump held a meeting with his senior advisors in the Situation Room of the White House on Friday. However, it has not yet been decided whether any agreement will be approved to extend the ceasefire and restore maritime traffic in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has clarified that no final agreement has been reached yet. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on Saturday that if diplomatic efforts fail, the US military is fully prepared to launch military operations against Iran again.