U.S. forces disable non-compliant vessel in Arabian Gulf

U.S. forces have taken decisive action against maritime violations involving Iran in the Arabian Gulf. On July 15, officials reported that the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) intervened to disable a Curacao-flagged oil tanker, M/T Belma, which was attempting to navigate toward Kharg Island, Iran.

Despite multiple warnings, the tanker continued on its course, prompting a U.S. aircraft to fire Hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack. This operation concluded with the vessel no longer proceeding to its intended destination.

The enforcement of the naval blockade against Iran commenced at 4 p.m. ET on July 14. In the first day of this renewed effort, CENTCOM redirected two compliant commercial vessels and disabled one that defied the blockade measures.

U.S. forces continue to monitor the situation closely, remaining alert and prepared to enforce compliance with the blockade.