The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces carried out, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, naval blockade procedures against Iran, as they disabled an empty oil tanker that was trying to sail towards an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf.

The statement clarified that US forces spotted the oil tanker M/T Belma, flying the flag of Curaçao, as it was crossing international waters towards the Iranian island of Kharg. After the commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings and attempted to violate the blockade, a US aircraft launched Hellfire missiles at the ship's smokestack and disabled it, halting its course towards Iran.

US forces had resumed enforcement of the naval blockade on ships heading to or coming from Iranian ports and coastal areas, starting at 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time on Monday, July 14, 2025.

CENTCOM indicated that during the first twenty-four hours of the blockade enforcement, two commercial ships that complied with warnings were redirected, while a third ship that refused to comply was disabled.

US forces affirmed that they continue their vigilance and readiness to ensure full compliance with the blockade procedures.