US Central Command has disabled the oil tanker M/T Belma using Hellfire missiles near Iran's Kharg Island, marking the first enforcement operation since the US reinstated its naval presence in the region. The strike occurred in waters close to the island, which serves as a major Iranian oil terminal.
The Target: M/T Belma
The M/T Belma, an oil tanker, was hit by Hellfire missiles fired from US forces. Central Command confirmed the operation but did not specify the tanker's origin or cargo. The vessel was disabled, though details on crew or damage were not immediately released.
First Enforcement After Naval Reinstatement
This action is the first of its kind since the US restored its naval presence in the area. The reinstatement was part of broader efforts to secure shipping lanes and counter threats in the Persian Gulf. The strike near Kharg Island, a key export hub for Iranian crude, underscores the strategic focus of the operation.
Location: Near a Key Oil Terminal
Kharg Island handles the majority of Iran's oil exports, making it a critical chokepoint. The proximity of the strike to the terminal raises questions about the safety of tanker traffic in the region. US Central Command has not commented on whether further operations are planned.
The incident comes amid heightened tensions in the Persian Gulf, where the US has been rebuilding its naval footprint after a period of reduced presence. The disabled tanker remains in the area, and no further actions have been reported.
