US strikes oil tanker with missiles as it enforces new Iran blockade
US Strikes Oil Tanker Amid New Iran Blockade
US strikes oil tanker with missiles - Footage from the U.S. military depicts an attack on a vessel within the Gulf. The United States launched missile strikes against an oil tanker, claiming it was approaching Iran's primary oil export facility, as part of a renewed maritime blockade on Iranian ports.
According to a statement from U.S. Central Command (Centcom), the Belma tanker disregarded several warnings while approaching the Kharg Island oil terminal. A U.S. aircraft then deployed Hellfire missiles to target the vessel's smokestack, effectively halting its movement.
Blockade and Ceasefire Context
President Donald Trump ordered the reinstatement of a blockade on Iranian ports on Tuesday, reacting to recent Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz and ongoing confrontations with the U.S. He had earlier announced that the ceasefire was 'over' after escalating tensions.
The U.S. had previously enforced a maritime blockade from April 13 to June 18, during which over 140 vessels were rerouted and nine ships were disabled.
“The ceasefire was over,” stated President Donald Trump.
As part of a ceasefire agreement signed on June 17, both the blockade and significant U.S. sanctions on Iranian oil were temporarily suspended. Analysts estimate that Tehran exported at least 74 million barrels of oil, valued up to $6 billion, during this period.
Centcom also reported redirecting two additional commercial ships that followed its guidance to alter their routes.
Belma, formerly sanctioned by the U.S. for its connections to Iran, entered the Gulf on Tuesday following its passage through the Strait of Hormuz, per MarineTraffic tracking data. The vessel reported an empty cargo hold and last transmitted its position approximately 100 kilometers southeast of Kharg Island on Thursday.
A second oil tanker subject to U.S. sanctions for Iranian ties reversed direction on Thursday, re-entering Iranian waters in the Gulf of Oman, as reported by tracking data.
The status of the Fuyao tanker, which MarineTraffic initially listed as bound for Pakistan with a cargo of oil, remains uncertain regarding any course adjustments due to the U.S. blockade enforcement.
Strait of Hormuz Traffic Decline
To support the ceasefire, Washington issued a temporary permit allowing the sale of Iranian crude and payments to Tehran in U.S. dollars, easing long-standing sanctions.