US Fires Hellfire at Tanker Bound for Iran, Citing Blockade Violation
Summary
- The US military said it disabled a tanker bound for an Iranian port after determining it had violated the maritime blockade.
- The US military said it fired a Hellfire missile to disable the tanker's operating capability, adding that it is no longer moving toward Iran.
- The US military said it had resumed its maritime blockade targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, and stressed that it is prepared to take whatever action is needed to fully enforce the blockade.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
The US military said it disabled a tanker headed for an Iranian port after determining the vessel had violated a maritime blockade.
US Central Command said on X on July 15 that it halted an empty tanker in the Persian Gulf bound for an Iranian port while enforcing blockade measures against Iran.
According to Central Command, the Curacao-flagged tanker M/T Belma was sailing through international waters toward Kharg Island when it ignored repeated warnings and tried to breach the US blockade.
A US military aircraft then fired a Hellfire missile at the vessel's funnel, disabling its ability to operate. The ship is no longer moving toward Iran, Central Command said.
The US military resumed its maritime blockade at 4 p.m. Eastern time on July 14, targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
In the first 24 hours after the blockade resumed, Central Command said it redirected two commercial vessels that complied with the rules and disabled one ship that violated the blockade.
The military remains on alert to ensure full enforcement of the blockade and is prepared to take further action if needed, it added.
