US forces disable tanker attempting to breach Iran naval blockade

U.S. forces disabled the Curaçao-flagged tanker M/T Belma on July 15, 2026, after it ignored repeated warnings and attempted to breach the naval blockade on Iranian ports, according to CENTCOM Source: elespanol; infobae; mileniomx. The vessel was targeted with Hellfire missiles while in international waters en route to Kharg Island, Iran's main oil terminal Source: emolcl; listindiario.

The broader offensive

The action is part of a renewed U.S. offensive after President Donald Trump ended a truce with Tehran earlier in July Source: diariolibree; elmundoes. CENTCOM reported that in the first 24 hours of the blockade, two other commercial vessels complied and were redirected, while the M/T Belma was the first forcibly stopped Source: listindiario. Previously, during a blockade from April 13 to June 18, the U.S. disabled nine vessels and redirected over 140 Source: listindiario.

Reactions and consequences

Iran accused the U.S. of "shattering" the memorandum of understanding that had ended the war and reported over 30 civilian deaths from recent American bombings Source: diariolibree; mileniomx. Meanwhile, regional states have been affected: Kuwait reported intercepting Iranian drones, and Bahrain activated air raid sirens Source: mileniomx. Trump stated he does not want to negotiate with Iran for now but revealed contacts between representatives of both countries Source: diariolibree; emolcl.

Key points

• The M/T Belma, flagged in Curaçao, was heading to Kharg Island when attacked Source: elespanol.
• Hellfire missiles struck the ship's funnel, disabling it Source: infobae.
• The blockade was reimposed at 20:00 GMT on July 14 Source: listindiario.
• Previous blockade phase (Apr-Jun) disabled 9 ships and redirected over 140 Source: listindiario.