US Denies Strike on American Vessel near Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
The US has denied claims by Iran that it struck an unmanned American vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, calling the allegation a 'total lie'. The reported incident comes amid rising tensions following a fresh exchange of attacks between Washington and Tehran.
According to the US, the alleged attack was part of a two-pronged strategy pursued by the Trump administration - responding militarily to attacks around the Strait of Hormuz while simultaneously targeting financial institutions and entities accused of helping Iran move money.
The conflict began on February 28 with US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Since then, both sides have sought to inflict military and economic damage on each other. The US has struck three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation for attacks on American Navy warships.