I didn’t know about the satellite observations and tracking. Was that reported? Or are you surmising?
If we are not watching the Iranian ports with satellites and some serious ISR and signals intel, it is severe dereliction of duty. The Navy already said they knew that ship as a smuggler ship.
Guaranteed they were watching it as it loaded and sailed. Almost certainly following with an attack sub.
If people are too squeamish to hit it with a 5 inch deck gun, then let the sub expend a torpedo on it. If anyone asks just shrug and say it is a known smuggling ship and it’s hazardous cargo probably blew.