A Botswana-flagged tanker was struck by a US aircraft on Tuesday after ignoring repeated warnings while en route to one of Iran’s major oil export terminals, according to Ship & Bunker.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the M/T Lexie was transiting international waters toward Iran’s Kharg Island when US forces intervened. The vessel was unladen at the time.
Hellfire Missile Fired Into Engine Room
According to CENTCOM, the tanker’s crew failed to comply with directions from US forces on multiple occasions over a 24-hour period. After exhausting other options, a US aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, disabling the vessel and preventing it from completing its voyage to Iran.
CENTCOM framed the strike as part of an ongoing maritime blockade it has enforced on traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports since April 13 of this year.
Blockade Scope and Scale
As reported by Ship & Bunker, CENTCOM stated that six commercial vessels have been disabled and 122 redirected since the blockade began. US forces have indicated that these measures remain in place even as a ceasefire with Iran is nominally in effect.
Tensions in the region have reportedly escalated again following Iranian missile and drone attacks across the Gulf, with ceasefire negotiations described as stalled.
Does This Matter to You?
This development carries significant weight for those monitoring maritime routes in and around the Persian Gulf. The active US blockade of Iranian port traffic — with vessels being disabled by military force — represents a serious operational and safety consideration for any vessel transiting the region.
The use of lethal force against a commercial tanker in international waters, regardless of flag state or cargo status, signals a heightened enforcement posture that directly affects route planning, insurance risk assessments, and compliance decisions for vessels operating near Iranian waters. The fact that an unladen vessel was targeted also underscores that cargo status may not mitigate risk in this environment.
With 122 vessels reportedly redirected and six disabled since mid-April, the pattern is consistent and ongoing, not isolated. Those with commercial interests in Gulf routing, port calls near Iran, or vessels under charter involving Iranian counterparties should be closely monitoring the situation.
Gulf Bunkering does not provide operational or security guidance. This article is for informational purposes only. Operators should consult flag state authorities, P&I clubs, and relevant advisories for decisions relating to transit planning.
Sources: Ship & Bunker
