Iran claims strike on a U.S. ship in the Strait of Hormuz but the U.S. denies it

Live updates

1. 3d ago

   Iran Deploys New Missiles as Saudi Arabia Shuts Oil Pipeline

   Iran has deployed electro-optical missiles against US warships for the first time while Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline following aerial attacks. These developments coincide with Houthi threats to the Bab al-Mandeb strait, granting Tehran influence over two primary oil routes. Economic pressure on Iran remains high due to a US naval blockade and sanctions, but the Islamic Republic is using regional escalation to increase its negotiating power. US diesel prices have climbed above $6 a gallon, reflecting a 60 percent increase since February 28.

   Why it matters

   The conflict involves a cycle of US strikes on Iranian tankers and Iranian attacks on Navy vessels. The US military maintains that Iranian claims of striking an uncrewed vessel in the Strait of Hormuz are false. This instability threatens global energy security by restricting Middle East oil export routes.

   What is confirmed

   • US diesel prices rose above $6 a gallon, a 60 percent increase since February 28.
   • Saudi Arabia shut down its East-West pipeline after the conduit suffered aerial attacks.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iran deployed new electro-optical missiles against US warships on Wednesday.
   • The Houthis are pushing towards Bab al-Mandeb and shot down a Saudi drone in Hajjah.
   • Iran seeks escalation to increase negotiating power against Donald Trump.

   What to watch next

   • Confirmation of US casualties or vessel damage from electro-optical missile strikes
   • Official US response to the closure of the Saudi East-West pipeline
   • Updates on the proposed Iranian exclusion zone in the Strait of Hormuz
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.timesnownews.com — Iran US War LIVE Updates: Houthis Push Towards Bab al-Mandeb, Shoot Down Saudi Drone In Yemen’s Hajjah
   2. www.presstv.co.uk — Trump says he doesn't regret terrorist war on Iran as blowback widens
   3. jen.jiji.com — Car goes off road in Cuneo province: 26-year-old dies, pregnant wife injured
   4. jen.jiji.com — Iran-Houthi, double threat to oil routes. Saudi Arabia wants US raids in Yemen, Trump says no
   5. www.thejakartapost.com — Saudis shut down oil pipeline as Houthis tighten grip on Red Sea shipping
   confidence 70%
2. 6d ago

   US Denies Iran Strike Claim in Strait of Hormuz

   The United States military denies Iranian claims that forces struck an uncrewed American military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, labeling the assertion a total lie. The dispute unfolds amid an escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, which includes U.S. strikes on Iranian tankers following missile attacks on a Navy warship. Meanwhile, a top Iranian official announced plans to establish an exclusion or restricted zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, targeting vessels attempting to transit the waterway. Energy markets and fuel prices continue to experience turbulence as regional tensions mount.

   Why it matters

   The confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz follows a series of military exchanges and economic pressures between Washington and Tehran. Regional instability has widened as Houthi strikes set fire to Saudi oil facilities and wounded dozens. Tehran has signaled a more aggressive stance, with an Iranian chief negotiator warning that retaliation will be faster, heavier, and more painful.

   What is confirmed

   • The U.S. military denied Iran's claim of striking an uncrewed American military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, calling the report a total lie.
   • A top Iranian official stated that Tehran plans to announce an exclusion zone outside the Strait of Hormuz.
   • Capt. Tim Hawkins, spokesperson for the U.S. Central Command, called the Iranian report a total lie.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Iranian forces successfully targeted and struck a U.S. naval drone or ship trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz.

   What to watch next

   • Tehran's formal announcement and details regarding the new restricted shipping zone in the Gulf.
   • Further U.S. military or economic responses to Iranian maritime actions in the Strait of Hormuz.
   Sources used for this update (30)

   1. AP News — Iran claims strike on US ship in Strait of Hormuz as fighting escalates
   2. Euronews — Iranian forces target US naval drone trying to enter Strait of Hormuz
   3. The Hill — Iran attacks US ship in Strait of Hormuz
   4. apnews.com — Iran says it hit a US ship in a week of renewed hostilities, and other Mideast news
   5. Fortune — Iran’s chief negotiator warns retaliation will be 'faster, heavier and more painful'
   6. NBC News — Iran claims a strike on a US ship in the Strait of Hormuz but the US denies it
   7. KSAT — US denies Iran's claim to have struck an unmanned ship, and other Mideast news
   8. Fortune — Iran plans an 'exclusion zone' that runs from the U.S. blockade, through Hormuz, and into the Gulf
   9. www.ntd.com — US Denies That Iran Struck Uncrewed US Military Ship in Strait of Hormuz
   10. Al Jazeera — Iran war live: Tehran to announce new Hormuz shipping route in coming days
   11. CBS News — Live Updates: Iran looks to expand control of Strait of Hormuz as oil, gas prices continue to climb
   12. Reuters — Iran says to announce new restricted zone in the Gulf in the coming days
   confidence 95%