U.S. Forces Disable Tanker Bound for Iran in Arabian Gulf

U.S. forces took action on July 15 to disable an unladen oil tanker that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf, enforcing naval blockade measures against Iran. The Curacao-flagged vessel, identified as M/T Belma, was observed transiting international waters toward Kharg Island.

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The commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings as it attempted to violate the U.S. blockade.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings as it attempted to violate the U.S. blockade. A U.S. aircraft responded by firing Hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack, disabling the vessel. CENTCOM confirmed that the ship is no longer transiting to Iran and released a video clip showing the strike.

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A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel after firing hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack.

U.S. forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas on July 14. In the first 24 hours of enforcement, CENTCOM reported redirecting two compliant commercial vessels and disabling this one non-compliant vessel. U.S. forces stated they remain vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance with the blockade.

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The ship is no longer transiting to Iran.