US forces intercepted three commercial vessels that were attempting to breach the US naval blockade against Iran, according to the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The CENTCOM stated that American forces redirected three commercial vessels, disabled one that did not comply, and boarded another to ensure full compliance with the ongoing blockade. US Marines from the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit conducted a verification boarding on M/T Wen Yao in the Gulf of Oman on July 16 as announced by CENTCOM.
US forces have resumed blocking maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports, emphasizing that the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters are open except for vessels attempting to violate the blockade. Strikes on Iranian targets have been carried out by US forces for six consecutive days following US President Donald Trump’s declaration that the ceasefire reached in April was over. A commercial vessel, identified as Curacao-flagged M/T Belma, was disabled by a US aircraft after ignoring warnings and attempting to violate the US blockade, sailing toward Kharg Island.
The vessel was disabled by firing hellfire missiles into its smokestack, preventing it from reaching Iran. US forces reimposed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to or from Iranian ports and coastal areas. The US military conducted two waves of strikes against Iran, targeting Iranian military capabilities threatening vessels transiting through the Strait of Hormuz.
