Iranian Official Denies U.S. Claims of Sinking Boats in Strait of Hormuz

TEHRAN — A senior Iranian military official on Monday rejected assertions by the United States military that American forces sank Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the claims a fabrication. The denial comes amid escalating tensions in the critical waterway following a U.S. Central Command statement regarding the incident.

The United States military, operating under Central Command, stated that its forces engaged and sank several Iranian boats in the strait. U.S. officials described the action as a necessary measure to clear the waterway and ensure the free flow of maritime traffic. The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital global shipping lane, through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes daily.

In response, the Iranian official dismissed the American account entirely. Speaking to reporters in Tehran, the official characterized the U.S. narrative as a deliberate lie intended to justify military aggression in the region. No specific details regarding the number of vessels involved or the location of the alleged engagement were provided by the Iranian side in the initial statement.

The incident marks a sharp escalation in hostilities between the two nations in the Persian Gulf. The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint for regional conflict, with both sides maintaining significant naval presence in the area. The U.S. military has historically cited the need to protect commercial shipping and counter Iranian naval activities as justification for its operations in the region.

Iranian officials have previously accused the United States of attempting to destabilize the region through naval maneuvers. The denial of the sinking suggests a potential dispute over the nature of the encounter. While the U.S. claims a successful engagement, the Iranian rejection implies that no such event occurred as described, or that the outcome was different than reported.

Maritime traffic in the strait has continued, though shipping companies have expressed concern over the potential for further incidents. The international community has urged restraint from both sides to prevent a broader conflict that could disrupt global energy supplies.

The status of the vessels in question remains unclear. The U.S. has not released visual evidence of the engagement, and Iran has not confirmed any losses. Diplomatic channels are reportedly active as both nations seek to manage the fallout from the incident. The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further military or diplomatic developments in the coming days.