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Iran's Navy claimed Wednesday that it had targeted a U.S. destroyer in the Gulf of Oman, describing the vessel as the command-and-control center behind what Tehran called American attacks on Iranian commercial shipping. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected the allegation, saying U.S. military assets continue to operate safely and without disruption.
The statement, issued by the Navy's public relations office, linked the alleged action to U.S. "aggressive actions," violations of regulations in the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Iranian commercial vessels operating in the Gulf of Oman.
Iranian naval forces had identified a U.S. destroyer that was allegedly attempting to approach the country's territorial waters before it was targeted, the statement asserted. "The Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran targeted the command-and-control center of these hostile actions, stationed aboard a U.S. destroyer," the statement read.
Iran also warned that its naval forces would continue monitoring what it called "U.S.-Zionist" activities in the region and signaled the possibility of further retaliation.
The U.S. military quickly pushed back against the claim. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) denied that any U.S. Navy destroyer had been targeted, calling the Iranian account false.
"Iran is lying. U.S. military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded," CENTCOM wrote on X.
The U.S. and Iran continue to exchange fire around the Strait of Hormuz, where shipping traffic remains sharply below normal levels after months of conflict and military disruptions.
Earlier this week, a U.S. aircraft disabled the Botswana-flagged tanker M/T Lexie as it approached Iran's Kharg Island, marking the sixth commercial vessel disabled and the 122nd redirected since Washington imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports in April, CENTCOM announced.
The U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports has remained in place since April 13, which Tehran has denounced as an illegal act of "piracy" and economic warfare, warning that any attempt to restrict Iranian shipping or military movements near the Strait of Hormuz would trigger retaliation against U.S. interests and regional ports.
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