US Disables Tanker as Iran Blockade Intensifies

In the 24 hours ending 16 July 07:30 UTC, the US blockade of Iran became more forceful.

US Central Command, the US military command for the region, disabled the empty tanker Belma near Kharg Island. The ship had ignored repeated warnings and continued toward Iran’s main oil export terminal.

A US aircraft fired Hellfire missiles and left the tanker unable to operate. It was the first commercial ship struck near Kharg Island during the blockade.

US forces also completed another wave of attacks across southern Iran. Targets included command centres, air defenses, missiles, drones, and coastal surveillance sites.

The attacks reached Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Chabahar. Air defense activity and explosions were also reported near Tehran and Borujerd.

Kuwait faced another large attack involving cruise missiles and one-way attack drones. Its army said air defenses engaged four missiles and 21 drones during the day.

Iran rejected renewed talks while Washington breaks its ceasefire commitments. However, Iran released an American woman held since December 2024. She left Iran in good condition.

Ukrainian drones carried out a major attack on Russia’s Engels bomber base. Several smoke plumes rose from the area after the raid.

The UK government took British Steel into public ownership. It said the move would protect an important national industrial capability.