US disables oil tanker heading to Iran in Gulf blockade
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The U.S. military disabled an oil tanker heading to Iran in the Persian Gulf on July 15, enforcing a maritime blockade announced the previous day. The vessel, M/T Belma, ignored warnings and was struck by Hellfire missiles, CENTCOM said.
The Blockade
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on July 15 that it disabled the unloaded oil tanker M/T Belma, flagged to Curacao, as it attempted to reach the Iranian port of Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. The vessel ignored multiple warnings to stop, prompting a U.S. aircraft to fire Hellfire missiles at its smokestack. CENTCOM stated the ship is no longer moving toward Iran.
Escalating Strikes
The U.S. military resumed a maritime blockade of vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports on July 14, redirecting two commercial ships that complied within the first day. CENTCOM also completed a second wave of strikes on Iran within 24 hours, targeting command centers, air defense systems, and missile and drone facilities. Precision weapons were used in areas including Bandar Abbas.
Fifth Day of Exchanges
Hours earlier, U.S. forces conducted a 90-minute series of strikes on coastal defense sites and cruise missile positions on Greater Tunb Island. The exchange of strikes between the U.S. and Iran has continued for a fifth consecutive day.
What's Next
The U.S. is expected to continue enforcing the blockade and may conduct further strikes. It remains unclear how Iran will respond to the escalating military pressure.
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US disables oil tanker heading to Iran in Gulf blockade
