The US military fired on a Panama-flagged container ship, the Vela Nova, on Tuesday as it attempted to transit the Gulf of Oman to an Iranian port in violation of a US naval blockade. A US Navy helicopter fired two Hellfire missiles into the engine room, disabling the vessel’s rudder after its civilian crew ignored repeated warnings, according to Central Command.\n\nThe US reimposed its blockade on Iran’s ports in July, seeking to squeeze the economy as Tehran resumed attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. The Vela Nova was struck 71 nautical miles off Pakistan.

No injuries reported among 17 crew members.\n\nControl over the Strait of Hormuz has emerged as a stumbling block in peace talks. Iran fired on vessels after US and Israel began strikes in February. Brent crude settled 1.4% higher at $88.91 a barrel.

Iranian officials said the strait would remain closed unless US changed behavior. The US first imposed blockade in April after peace talks in Islamabad failed. Three Indian sailors were killed in June striking a Palau-flagged ship. Blockade was lifted in June then reimposed in July.