U.S. military rejects claims that Iran struck a U.S. Navy vessel – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates — The U.S. military dismissed reports Monday that Iran had struck an American Navy vessel southeast of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian media outlets quickly promoted the claim, portraying it as a response to alleged violations of maritime rules. The denial arrived amid heightened U.S. efforts to counter Iran’s blockade of the vital shipping lane, which has disrupted global oil flows for weeks.
Escort Plans Advance to Challenge Blockade
The United States announced readiness to guide commercial vessels through the strait via Omani waters, establishing an enhanced security zone. This initiative, part of what President Trump termed “Project Freedom,” could deploy guided-missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft, and 15,000 troops. Military officials emphasized coordination with Omani authorities to manage expected traffic surges.
Shipping firms weighed the risks carefully. Iran previously fired on ships in the area and pledged continued action. Mariners received stark warnings about uncharted mines along traditional routes, heightening caution among operators and insurers alike.
Iran Escalates Rhetoric with Unverified Strike Claim
Semiofficial Iranian agencies, such as Fars and the Iranian Labour News Agency, asserted that Iranian forces targeted the U.S. vessel for breaching security protocols. Major General Pilot Ali Abdollahi reinforced the tough stance, declaring on state television, “We warn that any foreign military force — especially the aggressive U.S. military — that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted.”
No independent confirmation emerged for the alleged incident. The U.S. maintained its presence to protect navigation rights. Crews on stranded tankers and cargo ships reported dire conditions, including dwindling supplies and nearby explosions from drones and missiles.
Diplomatic Standoff Persists Amid Economic Strain
The conflict, ignited February 28 by U.S. and Israeli actions, transformed the strait into a choke point for global energy supplies. Prices for gasoline, food, and other goods climbed worldwide, particularly hitting Europe and Asia. Iran leveraged the blockade strategically, imposing tolls despite U.S. sanctions and a naval cordon around its ports since April 13.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the blockade’s bite, noting on Fox News Sunday, “We think that they’ve gotten less than $1.3 million in tolls, which is a pittance on their previous daily oil revenues.” Iran’s oil storage neared capacity, potentially forcing production cuts soon. Tehran countered with a 14-point proposal demanding sanctions relief, an end to the U.S. port blockade, regional troop withdrawals, and a halt to hostilities, including in Lebanon.
Key Elements of Iran’s Proposal:
- Lift all U.S. sanctions immediately.
- Terminate naval blockade of Iranian ports.
- Withdraw American forces from the region.
- Cease operations involving Israel in Lebanon.
- Resolve within 30 days to end the war outright.
Small Steps Toward De-escalation Emerge
Pakistan mediated a humanitarian gesture by evacuating 22 crew members from the U.S.-seized Iranian container ship MV Touska. The group flew to Pakistan overnight and awaited handover to Iranian officials. Authorities planned repairs in Pakistani waters before returning the vessel.
Negotiations remained preliminary, with Iran reviewing a U.S. reply but citing shifting demands as obstacles. President Trump expressed skepticism about a swift deal. As no ships tested the strait Monday morning, the fragile three-week ceasefire teetered, with both sides digging in on core demands.
