03.06.2026 10:01
US Central Command announced that the unloaded oil tanker "M/T Lexie," flagged by Botswana, was stopped while heading towards Iran's Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf. CENTCOM stated that the tanker, which reportedly ignored warnings, had its engine room neutralized by a missile strike, preventing it from reaching Iran.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that an oil tanker heading towards Iran's Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf has been neutralized. The statement indicated that the tanker did not comply with US forces' warnings.
BLOCKADE MEASURES APPLIED TO THE TANKER
According to CENTCOM's statement, the empty oil tanker named "M/T Lexie," flying the flag of Botswana, was stopped by US forces while proceeding towards Iran's Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf in international waters. The US military reported that blockade measures were applied to the tanker and various warnings were issued to the crew.
ALLEGED DISREGARD FOR WARNINGS
The statement claimed that the ship's crew did not comply with US forces' instructions and ignored the warnings issued. Subsequently, it was noted that the tanker's engine room was hit by a missile, rendering the vessel immobile.
PREVENTED FROM REACHING IRAN
CENTCOM announced that as a result of the operation, the oil tanker was neutralized and prevented from reaching Iran. While the recent increase in military activity in the Persian Gulf draws attention due to heightened tensions, this operation signaled a further escalation of tensions between the US and Iran.