US military contradicts Iran's account of tanker attack near Strait of Hormuz
The US Central Command has rejected Iran's assertion that the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia was damaged by naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, stating instead that the vessel was hit by an Iranian missile last month and a drone this weekend off Oman's coast. Iran's security chief Mohsen Rezaei warned that oil-related stakes in the strait have shifted and ruled out talks with Washington until Tehran's conditions are met. President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran seeks a deal but said the US will decide whether to engage.
The US Central Command directly challenged Iran’s account of the Panama-flagged tanker El Gaia’s damage, asserting the vessel was struck by an Iranian missile last month and then hit by a drone this weekend off Oman’s coast, rather than by naval mines as Tehran claimed. Iran’s security chief Mohsen Rezaei responded by declaring that the strategic stakes around oil and the Strait of Hormuz have shifted, and he ruled out any negotiations with Washington until Iran’s conditions are met. President Donald Trump, meanwhile, repeated his view that Iran seeks a deal, but said the US would decide whether to engage.
This dispute could heighten regional tensions, affecting global oil shipping and energy markets. Traders and insurers may factor in higher risk for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, potentially raising costs for consumers. Diplomatic channels could narrow further, as Iran’s precondition for talks and the US’s conditional stance leave little room for immediate de-escalation. Governments and shipping firms in the Gulf and beyond may adjust security protocols, while ordinary populations could face economic ripple effects from any supply disruption.