(CNN) -- U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Tuesday the “disabling” of an oil tanker headed to an Iranian port by striking it with a Hellfire missile. The statement said the tanker “Lexi,” flying the flag of Botswana, was crossing international waters toward Kharg Island. 

According to CENTCOM, the tanker’s crew ignored repeated warnings and failed to comply with U.S. orders enforcing a blockade on ships bound to and from Iranian ports. The statement added: “An American aircraft ultimately disabled the tanker by firing a Hellfire missile at its engine room, preventing it from reaching Iran.” CENTCOM noted that six ships have been disabled since the blockade began in April, and 122 vessels have been diverted.

Tehran’s Foreign Ministry on Wednesday denounced what it described as U.S. attacks on an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and on a communications tower in Qeshm Island, saying they violate the ceasefire agreement and international law. 
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The ministry stated that Kuwait and Bahrain bear “direct and clear responsibility” for these attacks, claiming their territories and facilities were used to support U.S. military operations against Iran. It added that Tehran reserves the right to self-defense and will use all available means to respond, including targeting the source of any future attacks.