Trump Reinstates Iranian Naval Blockade and Disables Oil Tanker

President Donald Trump ordered the reinstatement of a naval blockade on Iranian shipping and ports starting July 14, 2026, in response to Iranian attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. While the administration maintains that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to international shipping, the blockade specifically targets Iranian cargo and ports.

On July 15, United States Central Command enforced the blockade by disabling the Curacao-flagged M/T Belma, an unladen tanker attempting to sail toward Kharg Island. After the vessel ignored multiple warnings, U.S. aircraft fired Hellfire missiles into the ship's smokestack. U.S. forces also launched a second wave of strikes against Iranian military capabilities used to threaten shipping. Other sanctioned "dark fleet" tankers, including the Rani and the Amil, diverted their destination signals to Karachi, Pakistan, to avoid U.S. Navy vessels.

Iranian officials, including Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi, stated the move dismantled the Islamabad memorandum and shattered a deal to pause conflict for peace talks. Meanwhile, the International Maritime Organization reports that approximately 6,000 civilian seafarers are now trapped in the Persian Gulf. Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez identified the immediate priority as the evacuation of these crew members and the demining of traffic schemes to resume trade. The escalation has pushed Brent crude prices above $85 per barrel.