USA Strikes Defiant Tanker With Missile In Arabian Gulf

A Botswana-flagged tanker has been disabled in international waters after repeatedly ignoring instructions during a U.S. enforcement operation in the Arabian Gulf.

The vessel, M/T Lexie, was traveling toward Kharg Island when it came under observation by U.S. forces. Over a 24-hour period, the crew reportedly failed to comply with multiple warnings and repeated directions.

Following continued non-compliance, a U.S. aircraft fired a Hellfire missile into the ship’s engine room, disabling the tanker and halting its movement toward Iran.

The incident took place as part of enforcement measures in international waters aimed at stopping the vessel’s advance.