The U.S. military has refuted Tehran’s assertions that it struck an uncrewed American military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling the statement entirely false.
The dispute arose after Iranian state-run media claimed an American vessel breached what Tehran deems a restricted section of the critical maritime route.
“A total lie,” U.S. Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins used those words to reject the report.
The claim follows a U.S. strike on three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for ballistic missiles fired at American naval ships, signaling a resurgence in hostilities after a month-long lull.
Fighting initially broke out on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran. Although a ceasefire was declared in June, subsequent negotiations failed, leading to ongoing intermittent clashes as both nations seek to inflict military and financial harm.
Iranian Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf warned that Tehran’s patience with balanced retaliation has ended.
“Faster, heavier and more painful,” Qalibaf used those terms to describe Iran’s upcoming retaliatory measures.
Meanwhile, Mohsen Rezaei, the newly named head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, revealed plans to declare an “exclusion zone” outside the Strait of Hormuz aimed at intercepting targeted ships. Analysts noted that Iran’s recent missile strikes against military assets represent a dangerous shift, as previous maritime engagements primarily targeted commercial traffic.
Rezaei stated that the proposed restriction area could be implemented within days or weeks.
“will begin from the line of the U.S. naval blockade, extend toward the Strait of Hormuz, and from this side continue into the Persian Gulf,” Rezaei said.