U.S. Forces Disable Sanctioned Tanker Bound for Iran as Blockade Enforcement Continues

The U.S. has imposed an active maritime blockade on Iran since April 13, 2026, disabling six commercial vessels and redirecting 122 others attempting to reach Iranian ports, including the latest interdiction of the tanker M/T Lexie heading to Kharg Island. The Strait of Hormuz and all Iranian port approaches remain subject to U.S. military enforcement, posing severe disruption risks to vessel schedules, oil export operations, and regional shipping routes in the Persian Gulf.