US forces launched another strike against Iran, aiming at military assets near the Strait of Hormuz. In retaliation, Iran targeted Bahrain and Kuwait. The US also disabled a tanker breaching a blockade.
CENTCOM confirmed that the Curaçao-flagged tanker M/T Belma was disabled on July 15 while enforcing naval blockade measures in the Arabian Gulf. The empty tanker was seen heading toward Kharg Island in violation of the blockade and disregarded several warnings before a US aircraft struck its smokestack with Hellfire missiles, immobilizing it. CENTCOM stated the ship was no longer heading to Iran. The blockade on vessels entering or leaving Iranian ports resumed at 4pm ET on July 14, and CENTCOM reported that in the first 24 hours, forces redirected two compliant commercial vessels in addition to the disabled tanker.
As a response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. Air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain, and Kuwait claimed its air defenses intercepted incoming missiles and drones, pulling neighboring Gulf states further into the escalation.
US President Donald Trump indicated that Iran would face imminent defeat and attempted to downplay the conflict’s impact on global energy prices, despite it unfolding near one of the most vital oil transit routes in the world.
Iran’s foreign ministry stated that Tehran remains prepared to uphold the Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 16, provided Washington likewise maintains its commitments. Additionally, the US mentioned that Lebanon and Israel have agreed on the structure and guidelines for a limited withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, following negotiations in Rome.
Stay tuned for further developments in West Asia.
