President Donald Trump claimed Wednesday that the United States controls the Strait of Hormuz. A day earlier, CENTCOM reported enforcement actions under what it described as a U.S. blockade of Iran.
In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that he believed the United States would retain control. Without offering evidence, he also alleged that Iran had no navy or air force, the IRGC was severely weakened and inflation was 300% and worsening.
A U.S. Navy MH-60 helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room of the Panama-flagged M/V Vela Nova in the Gulf of Oman on Tuesday, CENTCOM said.
The command said its forces disabled the vessel’s steering gear as it headed toward an Iranian port. It alleged that the civilian crew ignored repeated U.S. warnings before the strike.
CENTCOM did not report whether anyone aboard was hurt. The post said the vessel was no longer heading toward Iran and the blockade remained in force.
As of Aug. 11, the command reported redirecting 55 commercial vessels, disabling three noncompliant vessels and boarding two. Those figures come solely from CENTCOM and have not been independently verified. Its account does not establish Trump’s broader claim of complete U.S. control.
This is a developing story. Virginia Times will update as information becomes available.
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