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US attacks tanker heading to Iran's main oil port
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Conflict & Security

US attacks tanker heading to Iran's main oil port

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement New plan
  • U.S. forces fired a missile at an "unloaded" tanker ship sailing towards Iran's main oil port.
  • The vessel, flying a Botswana flag, ignored repeated warnings from U.S. forces before being immobilized.
  • This incident occurs amid ongoing U.S. blockades of maritime traffic to Iranian ports and follows President Trump's denial of suspended negotiations with Iran.

U.S. military forces fired a missile at a tanker ship in international waters heading toward Iran's primary oil port, Kharg Island. The vessel, identified as the M/T Lexie and flying a Botswana flag, was reportedly "unloaded" when the missile struck its engine room, immobilizing it.

According to U.S. Central Command (Centcom), the ship ignored multiple warnings from U.S. forces over a 24-hour period as it proceeded towards Iran. Centcom stated the missile was tactical and intended solely to disable the vessel. This action is part of a broader U.S. blockade of maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports, which began on April 13.

ignored repeated warnings

— CentcomDescribing the tanker's actions prior to the U.S. missile strike.

Centcom reported that since the blockade began, U.S. forces have immobilized six commercial vessels and diverted 122 others. The incident occurred just hours after U.S. President Donald Trump denied on social media that negotiations with Iran were suspended, a claim that had been reported by Tehran media.

The U.S. military's action against the tanker highlights the continued tensions and enforcement of sanctions against Iran's maritime activities, even as diplomatic channels are reportedly being maintained.

did not comply with the instructions of the U.S. forces on multiple occasions over a 24-hour period

— CentcomFurther detailing the vessel's non-compliance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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