US denies Iran’s claim to have struck an unmanned ship, and other Mideast news

(AP) – The United States military is rejecting Iran’s latest claim of an attack in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, calling the allegation a “total lie” and accusing Tehran of spreading misinformation during a period of heightened regional tension.

Iranian state media reported that the country had struck an unmanned American military vessel that was allegedly attempting to enter an area Tehran considers restricted. But Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, flatly denied the claim.

The denial comes as President Trump’s administration maintains pressure on Iran following a series of increasingly aggressive actions by Tehran. The United States says Iran recently launched ballistic missiles toward American Navy warships. In response, U.S. forces struck three Iranian oil tankers—an action the administration says was necessary to defend American personnel and deter further attacks.

The latest confrontation is part of a broader conflict that began February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks against Iran. A ceasefire announced in June temporarily reduced the fighting, but negotiations later collapsed. Since then, hostilities have continued on and off, with both sides targeting military and economic interests.

Iranian officials are now warning of an even tougher response. Parliament Speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran’s era of “proportionate responses” had ended. He warned that Iran’s retaliation would be “faster, heavier and more painful.”

The comments raise concerns about whether Iran is preparing to expand the conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz. The waterway is one of the world’s most important energy routes, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. Any disruption could affect energy prices, international trade and American allies.

Iran’s newly appointed head of the Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, said Tehran plans to establish what it calls an “exclusion zone” outside the strait. Rezaei offered few operational details, but said the zone would begin near what he described as the line of a U.S. naval blockade, extend toward the Strait of Hormuz and continue into the Persian Gulf.

The proposed zone would represent another attempt by Tehran to assert control over international waters. Security experts say the announcement could create additional risks for commercial shipping and increase the likelihood of miscalculation.

The Trump administration has argued that a firm American response is essential to restoring deterrence and preventing Iran from threatening U.S. forces, Israel or global commerce. Supporters say Washington’s actions signal that attacks on American ships and personnel will carry consequences rather than limited, symbolic responses.

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