5 hrs ago
US Rejects Iran Claim of Vessel Strike Near Hormuz
Iran said it attacked an unmanned American vessel near the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military said that report was completely false.
The disagreement came during renewed fighting between the two countries.
The US had said it struck three Iranian oil tankers after missiles were fired at two American Navy ships.
Fighting has continued on and off since a ceasefire was announced in June.
The Strait of Hormuz is important because many oil and gas shipments pass through it.
Iran is also facing economic pressure and sanctions, but it continues trying to sell oil.
Negotiations about Iran’s nuclear program have broken down, and several countries want the United Nations to consider Iran’s compliance with nuclear rules.
Iran said it struck an unmanned US vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
US Central Command spokesman Captain Tim Hawkins called the report a “total lie.”
The claim followed a US statement that it struck three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on two Navy warships.
The United States and Iran resumed attacks last week after about a month of relative calm, despite a June ceasefire agreement.
Iran’s nuclear negotiations have collapsed, while the US and European allies reportedly seek UN action over Tehran’s nuclear obligations.
- Who
- Iran and the United States, including their military forces, are involved; the report was attributed to Iranian state media and rejected by US Central Command.
- What
- Iran claimed it struck an unmanned US vessel, while the US military denied the claim as a “total lie.”
- Where
- The reported incident occurred near the Strait of Hormuz, including waters along Iran’s southern coast.
- When
- The claim was made on Sunday, one day after the US reported striking three Iranian oil tankers; fighting resumed the previous week after a month of relative calm.
- Why
- The incident occurred amid renewed US-Iran military exchanges, economic pressure, disputes over oil shipments and stalled negotiations concerning Iran’s nuclear program.
Iran’s Account
US Military’s Account
Whether an American vessel was attacked
Iran’s Account
Iran said it struck an unmanned US vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
US Military’s Account
US Central Command said the report from Iranian state media was a “total lie.”
Responsibility for the wider escalation
Iran’s Account
Iran maintains it will not surrender to US pressure and says the US and Israel are using military, economic and media pressure after strategic setbacks.
US Military’s Account
The United States has responded militarily to attacks near the strait and has also targeted foreign financial institutions handling Iranian money.
Key facts
- Iranian claim
- Iran said it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
- US response
- Captain Tim Hawkins of US Central Command called the report a “total lie.”
- Reported US action
- The US military said it struck three Iranian oil tankers after missile attacks on two US Navy warships.
- Named vessels
- Iranian media said VELOS AMBER, BRAVO and AL SHEEHANIYA changed course after an IRGC Navy warning that the route was closed.
- Conflict timeline
- The war began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28; a ceasefire was announced in June, but fighting continued intermittently.
- Strategic waterway
- The Strait of Hormuz is crucial to international oil and natural-gas shipments.
- Nuclear diplomacy
- The US, Britain, France and Germany reportedly seek to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over alleged failures to meet nuclear nonproliferation obligations.
Quotes
Captain Tim Hawkins
Spokesman for US Central Command
“The report came from Iranian state media, and it’s a total lie”
wionews.com
Sources
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