(Web Desk) – Iran has accused the United States of killing five civilians in the Strait of Hormuz, alleging that US forces targeted passenger boats rather than vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The claim contradicts statements by US Admiral Brad Cooper, who said United States Central Command (CENTCOM) forces had sunk six IRGC boats attempting to disrupt a mission to escort stranded ships through the strategic waterway. President Donald Trump later put the figure at seven.
Iranian state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), citing a military source, reported that an internal investigation found no IRGC vessels were hit. Instead, it claimed US forces struck two small boats carrying civilians travelling from Khasab in Oman to Iran, killing five passengers and destroying the vessels. The source said Washington must be held accountable for the incident.
The escalation comes amid “Project Freedom,” a US operation aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz following its effective closure by Iran after US and Israeli strikes on February 28. The move has raised concerns about the stability of a fragile ceasefire agreed on April 8 and heightened fears of renewed conflict.
An IRGC spokesperson said there had been no pre-planned Iranian operation targeting oil facilities in Fujairah, describing recent developments as a consequence of US military actions.
There was no immediate response from US authorities to Iran’s latest allegations.
The Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global energy supplies, remains at the centre of tensions. Disruptions have already driven up oil and fertiliser prices worldwide, fuelling concerns over economic instability. Tehran has signalled it intends to maintain control over the passage and may impose transit fees, describing them as compensation for damages caused by recent attacks.