U.S. fires Hellfire missile at sixth Iran-bound tanker
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- U.S. Central Command posted a video showing a Hellfire missile striking the engine room of the Botswana‑flagged tanker M/T Lexie, disabling the vessel.
- M/T Lexie ignored repeated U.S. warnings for 24 hours and failed to comply with directions, prompting the missile strike.
- President Trump has imposed a blockade on Iran since April 13, and this missile strike is the sixth ship disabled under that operation.
- U.S. forces have redirected 122 vessels attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports since the blockade began.
Why it matters: Iran’s oil export capacity is further constrained as the U.S. disables a sixth tanker and redirects over a hundred vessels, tightening shipping routes and raising costs for regional shippers.
