US Central Command (CENTCOM) has denied Iran’s claim that two oil tankers exploded after striking mines while attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continued to escalate across the region.

The allegation was made by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy, which said the incident occurred early on Saturday in the southern part of the strategic waterway. According to Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC claimed the vessels hit mines while navigating what it described as a mined route.

The Iranian force also said the Strait of Hormuz had become “extremely unsafe and completely closed” because of US actions in the region.

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CENTCOM dismisses the allegation

Responding to the claim, CENTCOM rejected the report in a post on X, stating, “This is false.”

Iranian authorities did not release further information about the reported incident. The names of the vessels, their ownership and the exact location of the alleged explosions were not disclosed. There was also no independent confirmation of the claim.

The exchange of conflicting statements comes as the military confrontation between the United States and Iran continues to widen.

Strait of Hormuz remains in focus

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes, carrying a significant share of global oil shipments. It has remained at the centre of rising tensions as the conflict between the two countries intensifies.

On Friday, the United States expanded its military campaign against Iran, targeting bridges, energy infrastructure and a tower at a major Iranian port. The strikes followed US President Donald Trump’s warnings of increased pressure on Tehran over restrictions affecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

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On Friday, the United States expanded its military campaign against Iran, targeting bridges, energy infrastructure and a tower at a major Iranian port | X/CENTCOM

Regional tensions deepen

Iran responded by launching missiles towards US-aligned countries, including Qatar and Kuwait. Reports said a water desalination plant in Kuwait was damaged during the attacks.

The United States said it had carried out a seventh consecutive night of operations aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities.

Iranian officials said recent US strikes had killed dozens of people and injured hundreds. The US military also reported additional injuries among its personnel as the conflict spread across multiple parts of the Middle East, raising concerns over further escalation.

FAQs:

What did Iran claim about the Strait of Hormuz?

Iran claimed two oil tankers exploded after hitting mines while transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

How did CENTCOM respond to Iran’s claim?

CENTCOM rejected the allegation on X, stating, “This is false.”