US Disables Ship in Gulf of Oman as Tankers Hit Mines Near Strait of Hormuz

The US military disabled a commercial cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman after it allegedly tried to breach Washington's naval blockade of Iran, while Tehran claims two oil tankers were damaged by sea mines near the Strait of Hormuz, escalating regional tensions. US Central Command said forces directed the crew to abandon parts of the vessel before firing precision munitions at its stern, disabling the ship. Separately, Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy reported two tankers struck mines, suffering severe damage, though the claims remain unverified. The incidents follow recent explosions on Iran's Qeshm island and come as the US expands its blockade, which Centcom estimates has prevented over $25 billion in Iranian crude exports. At least 11 ships were attacked in the area in the week to November 6, with three sinking.