Additional Coverage:
Iran has accused the United States of killing five civilians aboard passenger vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in this critical waterway.
According to the US military, American forces engaged and sank six small boats they identified as Iranian vessels threatening civilian shipping while working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday. However, Iran disputes this account, claiming that the US attack targeted passenger boats rather than Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vessels.
An unnamed Iranian military official stated that Tehran launched an investigation following the US report and determined that American forces had struck two small boats carrying civilians traveling from Khasab, Oman, to Iran’s coast. Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB quoted the commander as saying none of the IRGC boats were hit, but the attacks destroyed passenger vessels and resulted in five civilian deaths. The official called for the US to be held accountable for what Tehran describes as a “crime.”
Meanwhile, the US military reported that two American-flagged merchant ships successfully transited the strait on Monday as part of a new initiative called “Project Freedom.” Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of US Central Command, told reporters that US forces had cleared a passage through the strait free of Iranian mines. He added that Iran launched multiple cruise missiles, drones, and small boats targeting the civilian ships under US protection, but US helicopters sank six small boats, neutralizing all threats.
“The US commanders on the scene have full authority to defend their units and commercial shipping, as demonstrated earlier today,” Cooper said.
Earlier, former President Donald Trump warned that Iran’s attempts to block passage through the strait “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
In response, Iran’s military command insisted that all ships passing through the strait must coordinate with Iranian authorities. Major General Ali Abdollahi warned that any foreign military force, particularly the US, entering the Strait of Hormuz would be targeted.
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively blockaded by Iran since February 28, following attacks by US and Israeli forces on Iranian targets. This blockade has disrupted oil and gas shipments from the Persian Gulf, impacting countries in Europe and Asia and driving energy prices higher.
The US has warned shipping companies that payments to Iran for strait passage could lead to sanctions. Additionally, since April 13, the US has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports, reportedly turning back at least 49 commercial vessels, according to Central Command.
US officials hope the blockade will pressure Iran into making concessions in ongoing negotiations over its nuclear program and other disputes, though significant progress remains elusive.