The US military launched Hellfire missiles, neutralizing an oil tanker bound for Iran.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has just attacked the USS Lexie with Hellfire missiles to enforce the blockade. This is the sixth ship to be disabled since mid-April.
On June 2nd, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that it had deployed military aircraft to attack the Botswana-flagged oil tanker M/T Lexie. Hellfire missiles were launched directly at the engine compartment, rendering the ship inoperable while en route to Iran.
According to an official statement from CENTCOM, U.S. forces issued repeated warnings for 24 hours, but the Lexie's crew did not heed the instructions. Disabling the engines was the last resort to prevent the vessel from accessing areas under lockdown.
Expand the maritime blockade.
Lexie is the sixth ship neutralized by US military attacks since Washington imposed a blockade on Iran on April 13. US statistics show that naval and air forces have successfully diverted 122 cargo ships attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports over the past month.
This operation is part of a military campaign lasting over three months, jointly launched by the United States and Israel. Currently, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains at a serious stalemate, with this vital shipping lane virtually completely closed.
Tensions are escalating in the Gulf region.
In parallel with developments at sea, the security situation in neighboring countries is becoming increasingly complex. On June 3rd, the Kuwaiti military announced that its air defense system had been activated to intercept missile and drone attacks.
In Bahrain, air raid sirens sounded, urging residents to seek shelter. Meanwhile, Iranian news agencies reported several large explosions near Qeshm Island, a strategic location on the Strait of Hormuz. These events highlight the risk of escalating conflict despite the fragile ceasefire being maintained by all sides.
A deadlock at the diplomatic negotiating table.
Politically, although Iran and the US are believed to have reached a preliminary agreement last week, the formal text has yet to be signed. US President Donald Trump insists that talks are continuing daily, while emphasizing that the top priority is to halt Tehran's nuclear program.
However, views among US lawmakers remain deeply divided. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Washington would only ease sanctions if Iran completely abandoned its nuclear activities and declared that "the war is over." Conversely, some senators in the US Senate remain skeptical about the possibility of ending the conflict in the near future.
