A military source has reported an incident in Gulf waters. According to this account, civilian boats attacked near Oman coast by U.S. forces. Two small cargo vessels were traveling from Khasab towards Iran, and at least five people died in the event, the source said.
Washington reportedly claimed it targeted IRGC speedboats. However, the Iranian source called this account false, for none of the IRGC’s combat vessels were hit. Local sources confirmed the boats carried civilian goods instead, so the attack involved civilian vessels.
U.S. forces opened fire on two cargo boats, the source stated, and these vessels carried goods belonging to civilians. Five deaths resulted from the attack, according to the report, yet accountability was demanded from Washington. Consequently, this incident drew significant attention.
The source characterized the U.S. action as hasty, for Washington acted out of fear, the source claimed. Iran has issued warnings against hostile vessels in Gulf waters, but tensions have been high in the Persian Gulf region. Thus, military tensions provided the backdrop for this incident.
Military operations began on February 28, and Iran responded by closing the Strait of Hormuz to enemy vessels. Stricter controls on the waterway came recently, yet President Trump announced a naval blockade of Iranian ports. This blockade continues despite a ceasefire agreement, so the conflict remains unresolved.
Iran’s Leader issued a directive about the Persian Gulf, and the directive states that foreigners have no place in the region. The IRGC’s Navy pledged to enforce this directive, but timing of the boat incident coincided with these developments.
U.S. officials have not commented on the Iranian claims, for no statement about the incident came from the Pentagon. Washington previously said it targeted IRGC military vessels, yet the Iranian version differs from U.S. accounts. Therefore, independent verification remains unavailable.
The Gulf region stays volatile with ongoing military tensions, and both Iran and the U.S. maintain naval forces in the area. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, but commercial shipping has suffered from this conflict. Consequently, this incident could further complicate diplomatic efforts.
Pakistan has mediated ceasefire talks between Iran and the U.S. Yet those negotiations have not produced a breakthrough. Iran demands lifting of the U.S. naval blockade, but Washington insists on its right to enforce maritime security. Thus, this incident adds a new dimension to the dispute.