US strikes first tanker with missiles as it enforces new Iran blockade

US strikes first tanker with missiles as it enforces new Iran blockadeTo play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, US military footage shows strike on ship in the GulfByThomas CopelandBBC VerifyPublished18 minutes agoThe US has attacked an oil tanker in the Gulf, which it said was heading towards Iran's largest oil export terminal, as it reimposed a blockade of Iranian ports.US Central Command (Centcom) said on Wednesday that Belma "ignored multiple warnings" as it was heading towards the Kharg Island oil terminal and an aircraft disabled the tanker by "firing Hellfire missiles into the ship's smokestack".President Donald Trump reintroduced a blockade of Iranian ports on Tuesday, in response to a series of alleged Iranian attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and days of tit-for-tat strikes by the US and Iran. He had previously declared a ceasefire "over" following days of escalating attacks.A naval blockade on ships going to or from Iranian ports was in place between 13 April and 18 June. The US said it redirected more than 140 vessels and disabled nine ships during that time.Both the blockade and key US sanctions on Iranian oil were lifted as part of a ceasefire deal signed on 17 June - and experts estimate Tehran exported at least 74 million barrels of oil worth up to $6bn (£4.4bn) before they were reimposed.In addition to the strike on Belma, Centcom said it redirected two other commercial vessels which did comply with its instructions to change course.Belma, which had previously been sanctioned by the US under a former name for links with Iran, entered the Gulf on Tuesday after passing through the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic.It was reporting no cargo on board and last broadcast its location about 100km (63 miles) south-east of Kharg Island on Thursday.Another crude oil tanker under US sanctions for link...