INTERNATIONAL

Gulf of Oman: US disables merchant ship amid blockade

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WASHINGTON — The United States military said Friday that its forces disabled the Comoros-flagged merchant tanker M/T Lavine in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel repeatedly attempted to breach a US-imposed blockade of Iran’s ports. US Central Command spokesman Capt. Tim Hawkins said the crew received warnings but did not comply with commands, prompting American forces to fire into the ship’s engine room. The Lavine is the second commercial ship to be disabled since the blockade was reimposed, and the operation came as US forces completed a 13th straight night of strikes against Iran, targeting military command centers, drone storage facilities, communication networks, coastal surveillance sites and maritime capabilities. TEHRAN — Iran meanwhile stepped up its regional attacks, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps saying it had targeted the US base in Udairi, Kuwait, and a watchtower used by the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in Bahrain, while US-led forces in Irbil, northern Iraq, reported shooting down five explosives-laden drones. Both Bahrain and Jordan said they intercepted Iranian aerial attacks, and US embassies in the Middle East warned Americans that options to leave the region could become more limited. Earlier Friday, President Donald Trump met senior national security advisers to consider whether to maintain or escalate military action, even as he said negotiations with Iran were the most serious to date and that he was not in a hurry to end the war.

Prepared by Rachel Morgan and reviewed by editorial team.

Timeline of Events

Thirteen days ago, US reimposes Iran port blockade
Subsequent days, nightly strikes hit regional targets
Earlier this week, first commercial vessel disabled
Friday morning, Trump meets national security aides
Friday, US reviews options on Iran escalation
Friday, M/T Lavine repeatedly attempts blockade breach
Friday, US fire disables Lavine’s engine room
Same day, Trump signals no hurry ending war

Why This Matters to You

The escalating US-Iran conflict can affect your safety, especially if you or loved ones are in the Middle East. US embassies warn that leaving the region might get tougher. Check travel advisories before planning any trips.

The Bottom Line

Tensions are high, with nightly strikes and blockades. Yet, President Trump signals no rush to end the war. This situation could drag on. Worth forwarding if you know someone with Middle East connections.