US Seizes Tanker Bound for Iran

U.S. Disables Tanker Bound for Iran

The U.S. military disabled a Botswana-flagged tanker, the M/T Lexie, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, by firing a Hellfire missile into its engine room as the vessel attempted to proceed towards Iran. This action occurred as part of an ongoing blockade enforced by the U.S. to pressure Tehran into a peace agreement.

U.S. Central Command reported that the Lexie's crew disregarded multiple warnings over a 24-hour period before the missile strike. The incident marks the sixth vessel disabled by the U.S. military since the blockade against Iran commenced on April 13. Additionally, U.S. forces have redirected 122 other vessels attempting to access or depart Iranian ports during this period.

The blockade is a component of President Donald Trump's strategy to compel Iran to negotiate a peace agreement on terms dictated by the U.S. The disabling of the tanker prevents it from reaching Iranian territory, reinforcing the U.S. military's enforcement of the blockade.