The U.S. military fired a "Hellfire" missile at a tanker heading to Iran.
On July 15 local time, the U.S. Central Command stated that the U.S. military has implemented maritime blockade measures against Iran, causing a tanker attempting to sail to an Iranian port to lose its navigational capability.
U.S. Central Command forces monitored a tanker named “M/T Belma” heading towards Hark Island through international waters. The merchant vessel ignored multiple warnings while attempting to violate the U.S. blockade order. A U.S. military aircraft fired a Hellfire missile at the ship, rendering it incapable of navigation. The vessel has now stopped its course towards Iran.
The U.S. side stated that since the maritime blockade on vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas was reinstated at 4 PM Eastern Time on July 14, two merchant ships complying with the requirements have been redirected within the first 24 hours, and one "non-compliant" vessel has been stopped. The U.S. military stated it will continue to maintain vigilance to ensure the enforcement of the blockade measures. (Reporter Zhao Miao from the Central Broadcasting Station)
On July 15, U.S. Central Command launched a Hellfire missile at the oil tanker 'M/T Belma' near Hark Island, Iran, disabling its navigation capabilities as it attempted to breach a maritime blockade. This action followed the re-establishment of the blockade on July 14, which has already redirected two other vessels.
- U.S. military enforced a maritime blockade against Iran.
- The oil tanker 'M/T Belma' was targeted for attempting to breach the blockade.
- A Hellfire missile was fired at the tanker, rendering it unable to navigate.
- The incident occurred on July 15, 2023.
- Two other vessels were redirected in compliance with the blockade.