US Navy Fires on Rudder of Iran Blockade Runner in Arabian Sea
A Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet fired several 20 mm cannon rounds into the rudder of an Iranian vessel after it failed to heed repeated warnings that it was violating a blockade. The action disabled the ship without causing reported casualties. It follows a similar incident last month in which a Navy destroyer fired inert rounds into another vessel's engine room.
koreaherald.comU.S. The ship had failed to comply with repeated military warnings that it was sailing in violation of a blockade in the Arabian Sea. Officials stated the vessel continued its course despite the warnings. The cannon fire was intended to disable the ship's steering capability.
No injuries were reported in the incident. The event marks the second such action against an Iranian-flagged vessel in recent weeks. Last month a Navy destroyer fired nine inert rounds from its 5-inch deck gun into the engine room of another vessel attempting to evade the blockade in the same waters.
In the April incident the destroyer targeted the engine room to stop the vessel's propulsion. That ship was also described as trying to evade the blockade. Both actions were taken after the vessels ignored warnings from U.S. forces. The latest engagement occurred as part of ongoing efforts to enforce the blockade against vessels attempting to run it. U.S.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- 2026-05-06
Navy jet fires on rudder of Iranian vessel Hasna after warnings ignored.
1 sourceBusiness Insider - April 2026
Navy destroyer fires inert rounds into engine room of another Iranian vessel.
1 sourceBusiness Insider
Potential Impact
- 01
The vessel's steering was disabled, forcing it to stop its transit.
- 02
No casualties were reported from either the May or April incidents.
- 03
The actions demonstrate continued enforcement of the Arabian Sea blockade.
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