Says it disables another commercial ship trying to breach blockade and reach Iran

The U.S. military says it has disabled another merchant vessel attempting to breach its blockade of Iranian ports, underscoring high-stakes tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. The Gambia-flagged bulk carrier Lian Star ignored warnings overnight as it tried to approach an Iranian port in the Gulf of Oman. The ship was disabled by U.S. aircraft and remains adrift; forces have not boarded it. This action brings the blockade total to six ships stopped, with one previously allowed to proceed since the April 17 start. A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7, but talks remain ongoing on extending it by 60 days while new discussions focus on Iran's disputed nuclear program. A fragile ceasefire has held since April 7, but talks remain ongoing on extending it by 60 days while new discussions focus on Iran's disputed nuclear program. The blockade aims to curb Iran's shipments and tighten Tehran's access to cash, intensifying economic pressure amid broader regional sanctions and supply concerns. U.S. President Donald Trump met with advisers on Friday but has yet to decide whether to extend the ceasefire or reopen the strait, as officials weigh potential consequences. Iran has said the deal had not been finalized.