US disables tanker attempting to breach Iran naval blockade

US Central Command said on Wednesday that American forces disabled a Curacao-flagged tanker attempting to breach the naval blockade on Iran, firing Hellfire missiles into the vessel’s smokestack as it headed toward Kharg Island in the Arabian Gulf on July 15. The military tracked the unladen M/T Belma through international waters before targeting the ship to prevent its arrival at the Iranian port, according to the CENTCOM statement.

Washington announced Tuesday that it had resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports, redirecting two compliant commercial vessels while disabling the non-compliant tanker. "A U.S. aircraft disabled the vessel after firing hellfire missiles into the ship’s smokestack. The ship is no longer transiting to Iran," the command said, adding that "U.S. forces remain vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance."

Presidential warning

President Donald Trump said earlier that Iran is eager to reach a deal with Washington, warning that the US military campaign could continue without an agreement. "They want to settle so badly. They don't like what we're doing, and they do want to settle. We'll find out whether or not we settle with them, or we just finish it off," Trump said at a summit, adding that Iran will be defeated "very soon."

The United States and Iran have exchanged attacks in recent days despite a Pakistani-mediated framework deal aimed at ending the war, which was triggered by US-Israeli military action against Tehran in late February. The blockade of Iranian ports represents a significant escalation in Washington's economic and military pressure campaign as diplomatic efforts continue to stall.