The US says it destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted missiles and drones fired at US and commercial vessels, a claim Tehran denies. The UAE reported strikes that hit the Fujairah energy hub and wounded three Indian nationals; Oman reported two injured in Bukha. Oil prices jumped more than 5% as regional tensions rose, while Israel and other regional militaries increased alert levels amid reports of clashes in southern Lebanon.
Middle East Escalation: US Says It Struck Iranian Boats as Regional Tensions Rise
Iran's Revolutionary Guards denied any commercial ships had crossed the Strait of Hormuz (Amirhossein KHORGOOEI)(Amirhossein KHORGOOEI/ISNA/AFP)
The following summarizes the latest developments in a rapidly unfolding security situation across the Strait of Hormuz and neighboring states, detailing military actions, regional responses and market reactions.
US Says It Struck Iranian Boats and Intercepted Attacks
Senior US military officials said American forces destroyed six small Iranian boats and shot down missiles and drones that Tehran’s forces had fired at US Navy and commercial vessels. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, told reporters that US Apache and Seahawk helicopters struck “six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping,” and that US forces “effectively engaged” all missiles and drones launched at US and commercial ships.
Iran Denies the Claims
Tehran rejected the US account. Iran said the US claim that it sank Iranian war boats was “false.” The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also denied that any commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz under US escort, calling those US statements “baseless and completely false.”
US and Regional Responses
Former President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that Iran had “taken some shots” but that, apart from a damaged South Korean vessel, there had been no other reported damage in the Strait. The US military said destroyers entered the Gulf to escort ships through the waterway.
Incidents in the UAE and Oman
The United Arab Emirates reported strikes it attributed to Iran, including an attack on the Fujairah energy hub that wounded three Indian nationals. The UAE foreign ministry described the attacks as “a dangerous escalation and an unacceptable transgression” and said the country reserves the right to respond. Iran later said it had “no plans” to attack the UAE.
Omani state media reported that a residential building in Bukha, on Oman’s coast along the Strait of Hormuz, was struck; two expatriate workers were moderately injured and four vehicles were damaged.
Economic and Military Fallout
Oil markets reacted immediately: the Brent crude contract for July delivery jumped more than 5% after the shooting began, reflecting renewed concerns about potential supply disruptions. Israel said its military was on high alert and closely monitoring the situation. Following US statements, Iranian state television reported the Islamic Republic’s navy fired cruise missiles, rockets and combat drones near US ships after issuing multiple warning shots.
Wider Diplomatic Developments
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he will not meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu until there is a security agreement and an end to Israeli attacks. Separately, Hezbollah reported heavy clashes with Israeli troops near the town of Deir Seryan in southern Lebanon, saying its fighters engaged Israeli forces after an attempted advance in an area the Israeli military has declared a restricted “yellow line.”
Note: Claims by all sides remain disputed. Independent verification of some actions reported by the parties has not been released.
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