Iran says US strike in Sea of Oman killed five civilians, denies IRGC boat involvement
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TEHRAN — Iran stated Monday that a United States military strike in the Sea of Oman killed five civilians, rejecting American assertions that the operation targeted six fast boats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
The incident occurred early Monday morning in the strategic waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. Iranian officials confirmed the deaths of five individuals aboard vessels struck by U.S. forces, describing the victims as non-combatants. The Iranian Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning the action as a violation of international law and a disproportionate use of force.
U.S. Central Command, in a separate briefing, maintained that the strike was a defensive measure taken after Iranian vessels allegedly approached American warships in a threatening manner. The Pentagon identified the targets as six high-speed craft linked to the IRGC, claiming the boats were on an intercept course that posed an imminent threat to U.S. personnel.
The conflicting accounts highlight the escalating tension between the two nations in the region. Iran has consistently denied deploying military assets in the manner described by Washington, insisting that the boats were engaged in legitimate commercial or fishing activities. Tehran has called for an independent international investigation into the incident, demanding accountability for the loss of civilian life.
No immediate response from the White House or the State Department was available regarding the specific casualty figures cited by Iran. U.S. officials have not commented on the status of the Iranian vessels or the fate of their crews beyond the initial confirmation of the strike.
The Sea of Oman remains a critical chokepoint for global energy shipments, with a significant portion of the world's oil passing through the Strait of Hormuz nearby. The incident marks the latest in a series of maritime confrontations that have raised fears of a broader military engagement. Regional allies have urged both sides to exercise restraint to prevent further escalation.
Questions remain regarding the exact circumstances leading to the strike and the identity of the individuals killed. The lack of transparency from both Tehran and Washington has fueled speculation about the potential for retaliatory actions. As diplomatic channels remain active, the international community watches closely for developments that could impact stability in the Middle East.