U.S. Forces Disable Oil Tanker During Enforcement of Renewed Iran Naval Blockade

U.S. Forces Disable Oil Tanker During Enforcement of Renewed Iran Naval Blockade

TAMPA, Fla. — U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American forces disabled a commercial oil tanker on July 15 after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings while attempting to sail toward an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf.

According to CENTCOM, the Curacao-flagged M/T Belma, an unladen oil tanker, was observed transiting international waters toward Kharg Island, one of Iran's primary oil export terminals. The U.S. military said the vessel failed to comply with multiple warnings issued by American forces enforcing the renewed naval blockade.

CENTCOM stated that a U.S. military aircraft subsequently fired Hellfire missiles into the tanker's smokestack, disabling the vessel and preventing it from continuing toward Iranian waters. The ship was not reported sunk, and officials said it is no longer transiting to Iran.

The operation comes after the United States resumed naval blockade enforcement against vessels traveling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas at 4:00 p.m. ET on July 14.

According to CENTCOM, during the first 24 hours of enforcement:

- Two commercial vessels complied with U.S. instructions and changed course.

- One vessel, the M/T Belma, allegedly failed to comply and was disabled.

- U.S. forces remain deployed throughout the region to monitor maritime traffic and enforce the blockade.

The renewed operation highlights escalating tensions in the Arabian Gulf, where commercial shipping and regional security remain under close international scrutiny.

CENTCOM said U.S. forces remain vigilant and prepared to ensure compliance with the blockade while continuing to monitor maritime activity across the region.

>>>>> What do you think about the renewed U.S. naval blockade and its potential impact on regional security and global shipping? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and follow for more breaking world news and geopolitical updates.