You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence EMEA News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features EMEA US Hits Tanker Bound for Iran as Naval Blockade Resumes US Hits Tanker Bound for Iran as Naval Blockade Resumes by Ship & Bunker News Team Thursday July 16, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The blockade resumed at 4 PM ET on Tuesday following an order from President Donald Trump. Image Credit: CENTCOM US forces struck a tanker bound for Iran on Wednesday , just a day after reimposing a naval blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports.  Curacao-flagged unladen tanker, M/T Belma , was disabled while transiting international waters toward Kharg Island , the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a social media post today. “The commercial vessel ignored multiple warnings as it attempted to violate the U.S. blockade,” CENTCOM said. “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 military added that it also redirected two ships that were heading or leaving Iran. The blockade resumed at 4 PM ET on Tuesday following an order from President Donald Trump . It had previously been in effect from April 13 to June 18 before being lifted after US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding outlining a framework to end the conflict. During the last blockade, US forces had hit nine ships linked to Iran. Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protected] Also in the News Dan-Bunkering Sales Volumes Gained 5% in 2025/26 The firm's growing volumes included a jump of more than 50% in alternative fuel orders. Read in Full CMA CGM Takes Delivery of Another Methanol-Fuelled Boxship Th