Iran Rejects US Oil Claims, Tightens Cyber Controls

A dispute has erupted between Iran and the US Central Command (Centcom) over claims of oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. According to Centcom, it escorted tankers carrying more than a billion barrels of oil through the strait. However, Iranian Armed Forces Spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi dismissed this claim as a 'failed psychological operation' meant to boost US troop morale and justify the war's financial and human costs.

Centcom also stated that it protected more than 2,000 commercial transits through the strait and cleared its main shipping lanes of mines, in addition to facilitating oil exports. The measure is seen as an attempt to counter Iran's growing influence in the region.

Separately, a committee of senior Iranian officials has approved a rule requiring Tehran's approval for data cables routed through the Strait of Hormuz, with Article 10 applying to other data communications equipment passing through the waterway. The measure is aimed at tightening control over data transmissions and enhancing Iran's cyber defenses.