16/07/2026
Share:
16/07/2026
Share:
WASHINGTON, July 16: The tanker Belma, disabled by US forces in the Middle East, had transported at least 38 million barrels of Iranian crude oil over several years, according to vessel-tracking firm TankerTrackers.
In a post on X on Thursday, the firm said the Curaçao-flagged tanker had been a major transporter of Iranian oil despite international sanctions.
"Based on our tracking over the years, BELMA (9289491) has transported at least 38 million barrels of Iranian crude oil. A proper cash cow," TankerTrackers wrote.
The assessment came after the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that a US aircraft had disabled the tanker using Hellfire missiles after it allegedly ignored repeated warnings while sailing toward Iran's Kharg Island in an attempt to breach a US-imposed maritime blockade.
CENTCOM said the action was taken after the vessel failed to comply with repeated directives, though it did not immediately provide details on the condition of the crew or whether there were any casualties.
The latest incident marks a further escalation in tensions in the Gulf, where the United States has intensified efforts to enforce restrictions on Iranian oil shipments amid the ongoing conflict with Tehran.
