U.S. Central Command reports helicopter strike on Panama-flagged vessel attempting to bypass Iran blockade in Gulf of Oman.

On Tuesday, August 11, 2026, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that an American military helicopter struck a Panama-flagged vessel, the Vela Nova, in the Gulf of Oman. The strike, involving two Hellfire missiles fired into the ship's engine room, occurred after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings while attempting to bypass a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. This action is part of ongoing efforts to enforce the blockade and maintain maritime security in the region.