You are using an outdated browser For a better experience using this site, please upgrade to a modern web browser. Subscribe Get Daily Email Subscribe --> Contact Us Sign in Home News & Features Compliance Costs Bunker Prices Bunker Intelligence World News Latest Features World Americas EMEA Asia/Pacific Home News & Features World US Hits Tanker Sailing Towards Iran US Hits Tanker Sailing Towards Iran by Ship & Bunker News Team Wednesday June 3, 2026 Tweet Follow @shipandbunker The M/T Lexie hit by a US aircraft. Image Credit: CENTCOM US forces struck the Botswana -flagged tanker M/T Lexie on Tuesday as the vessel transited international waters towards Iran 's Kharg Island . The tanker was unladen and its crew ignored repeated warnings and failed to comply with directions from US forces multiple times over a 24-hour period , US Central Command said in its latest social media post. “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 said. CENTCOM said the action was part of blockade measures it has enforced on maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports since April 13 . The military command added that six commercial vessels have been disabled and 122 redirected since the blockade began while a ceasefire with Iran remains in effect. Tensions in the region have escalated again after Iran launched missile and drone attacks across the Gulf as ceasefire negotiations appear to be stalled. Ship & Bunker News Team To contact the editor responsible for this story email us at [email protected] Also in the News Emvolon Wins Massachusetts Grant for Biomethanol Technology The funding will support a modular system that converts methane into biomethanol at the source of emissions. Read in Full Balearia Takes Control of Armas Trasmediterranea Canary Operations Balearia says the combined group will operate more than 50 vessels and transport o