US military enforces Iran port blockade by crippling Botswana-flagged M/T LexieLast updated: June 03, 2026 | 01:501 MIN READA US Apache attack helicopter flying over the Gulf. X | @CentComUS forces disabled an empty oil tanker Tuesday after it ignored repeated warnings and attempted to sail toward an Iranian port in the Arabian Gulf, US Central Command said. A US aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the engine room of the Botswana-flagged M/T Lexie, preventing it from reaching Kharg Island, CentCom said in a statement. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The vessel was transiting international waters when it failed to comply with directions over a 24-hour period. The US military has enforced a blockade of maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports since April 13. Officials said US forces have disabled six commercial vessels and redirected 122 others as a ceasefire with Iran continues. The incident comes amid ongoing efforts to restrict Iran's access to oil exports. No injuries were immediately reported in the statement.Also In This PackageGet Updates on Topics You Choose