US disputes Iranian claims of naval strikes in Strait of Hormuz

Iran state media claimed military forces launched targeted missile strikes against a US aircraft carrier and six vessels, including three commercial tankers and three American naval ships, in retaliation for recent US raids near the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces assert that these actions demonstrate their operational capability in the critical waterway following the breakdown of a June truce agreement.

However, US President Donald Trump refuted Tehran's statements, maintaining that Iran is facing severe operational difficulties and confirming that a fire aboard a struck tanker was successfully extinguished. Trump stressed that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to commercial navigation. Despite these reassurances, US intelligence assessments indicate that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps views its tactical standing as strengthened, increasing concerns over potential military escalation.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica