WASHINGTON (TNND) — U.S. Central Command fact-checked Iran on Friday, clarifying that Iranian forces did not attack U.S. Navy warships, as it would have violated the ceasefire.
“CLAIM: Iran claims it fired warning shots at U.S. warships in the Gulf of Oman, forcing American vessels to ‘retreat’ toward the Indian Ocean. FALSE,” CENTCOM posted on X.
“TRUTH: Iranian forces did NOT attack or fire at U.S. Navy warships. Doing so would be a gross violation of the ceasefire. U.S. forces continue to operate freely in regional waters while fully enforcing the ongoing blockade against Iran.”
Last month, Iran fired cruise missiles and drones, in addition to launching small boats, to target U.S.-flagged ships in the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said at the time, NBC News reported. CENTCOM said that no U.S. vessels were struck. The incident occurred while the ceasefire was in place.
Adm. Brad Cooper said that the U.S. used attack helicopters to blow up the small boats and intercept the drones.
On Tuesday, U.S. forces disabled an oil tanker bound for an Iranian port after the vessel ignored repeated warnings and failed to comply with orders issued under a U.S.-enforced maritime blockade, according to military officials.
CENTCOM said the Botswana-flagged tanker M/T Lexie was traveling through international waters toward Kharg Island, which is one of Iran’s primary oil export terminals, when it was intercepted by American forces.