US forces disable tanker heading toward Iranian port – CENTCOM

The United States military disabled an empty oil tanker on June 2 that was attempting to sail toward an Iranian port in the Persian Gulf, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM) in a statement published on X.

“U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) enforced blockade measures against Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie as it transited international waters toward Kharg Island. The ship’s crew ignored repeated warnings, failing to comply with directions from U.S. forces multiple times over a 24-hour period.

A U.S. aircraft ultimately disabled the vessel by firing a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, preventing the tanker from reaching Iran.

CENTCOM began implementing the blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13. U.S. forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 as the ceasefire with Iran continues,” the statement said.

By Jeyhun Aghazada