US disables tanker after vessel ignores Iran blockade warnings VIDEO

U.S. forces disabled a commercial oil tanker in the Arabian Gulf after it allegedly ignored repeated warnings and attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in violation of a renewed U.S. naval blockade, the U.S. military said.

According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the incident took place on July 15 when the Curacao-flagged oil tanker M/T Belma, which was reportedly unladen, was observed transiting international waters toward Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export terminal.

CENTCOM said the vessel ignored multiple warnings issued by U.S. forces. A U.S. military aircraft subsequently fired Hellfire missiles into the ship's smokestack, disabling the tanker without sinking it. The military said the vessel is no longer en route to Iran.

The operation comes after the United States resumed enforcement of its naval blockade on vessels travelling to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas at 4 p.m. ET on July 14.

In a statement, CENTCOM said that during the first 24 hours of renewed enforcement, U.S. forces redirected two commercial vessels that complied with orders, while disabling one vessel that failed to do so.

"U.S. forces remain vigilant and prepared to ensure full compliance," CENTCOM said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev