US Military Fires Hellfire Missile at VLCC Bound for Iran's Kharg Island

## US Forces Disable VLCC Heading to Iranian Crude Terminal United States military forces have fired a Hellfire missile at a very large crude carrier (VLCC) that was transiting toward Kharg Island, Iran's principal crude oil loading facility, according to Seatrade Maritime. The missile was directed at the vessel's engine room, successfully disabling the tanker before it could reach its destination. The ship was reported to be sailing in ballast — carrying no cargo — at the time of the strike, indicating it was likely positioning to load Iranian crude oil. Kharg Island, located in the northern Persian Gulf, handles the vast majority of Iran's crude oil exports and is a strategically critical piece of the country's petroleum infrastructure. The interception of a vessel heading to the terminal signals a notable intensification of US efforts to enforce sanctions on Iranian oil shipments. The use of a precision air-to-surface Hellfire missile against a commercial tanker's engine room represents a targeted approach designed to immobilise the vessel while minimising broader structural damage or risk to crew. This tactic mirrors enforcement strategies previously employed in the region to interdict vessels suspected of facilitating sanctioned oil trade. The incident is expected to draw significant attention from shipowners, operators, and insurers active in the Persian Gulf and wider Middle East region, where geopolitical risk has remained persistently elevated. War risk insurance premiums for vessels operating in proximity to Iranian waters and key chokepoints such as the Strait of Hormuz are likely to face renewed upward pressure in the wake of the strike. Further details regarding the flag state, ownership, and management of the targeted vessel, as well as the status of its crew, had not been fully confirmed at the time of reporting. Seatrade Maritime is continuing to follow developments. *Source: Seatrade Maritime*