U.S. forces reinforced naval blockade measures against Iran on Wednesday by disabling a commercial tanker that was attempting to sail to an Iranian port in international waters of the Arabian Gulf, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported.
According to a statement posted on the social network X, U.S. forces detected the tanker M/T Belma, flagged in Curaçao, while it was transiting toward Kharg Island, one of Iran’s main oil export hubs.
CENTCOM said the vessel ignored “multiple warnings” as it tried to continue its route and violated U.S. restrictions on ships destined for or coming from Iranian ports.
“A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel after firing Hellfire missiles at the ship’s funnel,” the statement said. After the strike, the tanker ceased advancing toward Iran and was no longer en route to that country.
The incident occurred as U.S. naval blockade operations against vessels linked to Iranian ports and coastal areas were resumed. According to CENTCOM, these measures were reinstated at 4:00 p.m. Eastern on July 14.
During the first 24 hours of the blockade’s enforcement, U.S. forces reported diverting two commercial ships that complied with navigation instructions and neutralizing one vessel that did not heed the warnings.
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