---
title: "First strike on tanker: US disables vessel off the coast of Iran"
description: "The US has launched its first strike on a commercial tanker off the coast of Iran since the start of the blockade. The vessel attempted to break the cordon and was disabled by Hellfire missiles. Trump stated that strikes will continue and operations may be expanded 🚢🇺🇸🇮🇷"
date: 2026-07-16T13:51:13.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/first-strike-on-tanker-us-disables-vessel-off-the-coast-of-iran
tags: [usa, iran, trump, centcom, ormuz-strait]
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# First strike on tanker: US disables vessel off the coast of Iran

For the first time since the resumption of the blockade of Iranian ports, US military forces have launched a direct strike on a commercial vessel. The target of the attack was the tanker M/T Belma, heading towards the key oil export hub on Kharg Island.

### Incident details

According to the US Central Command (Centcom), the tanker flying the flag of Curaçao ignored several warnings and attempted to break through the US blockade. In response, US Air Force aircraft fired Hellfire missiles at the ship's smokestack, disabling it.

This incident marks the first known case of the use of weapons against a civilian vessel as part of current operations. In the first 24 hours of the blockade, US forces also turned back two other vessels that did not attempt to break through.

### Reasons for escalation

Washington accuses Iran of violating the ceasefire and attacking commercial shipping. Central Command Commander Brad Cooper stated that during the first week of the resumption of hostilities, Iranian forces attacked seven merchant vessels.

The resumption of the confrontation has led to an almost complete halt of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Before the start of the conflict, about one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas flows passed through this strategic chokepoint.

### US leadership position

US President Donald Trump confirmed that strikes on Iran will continue this week and next. In response, Tehran attacked US military facilities and targets in neighboring Persian Gulf countries.

According to the Wall Street Journal, after a meeting with his closest advisors in the Situation Room, Trump is leaning towards further expanding military operations in Iran.