Iranian Media Claims U.S. Strikes on Civilian Vessels in Strait of Hormuz, Reports 5 Killed
U.S. helicopters strike Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to reopen global oil routes. Iran alleges five civilian deaths in an overnight raid, while the U.S. maintains it neutralized a direct military threat.
Iranian state media and officials claim that U.S. forces carried out overnight strikes on two civilian vessels allegedly transporting goods toward Iranian ports, resulting in at least five deaths.
According to reports from outlets such as Tasnim News Agency, Press TV, and Fars News Agency, the vessels were described as non-military cargo boats operating between Oman and Iran. Iranian sources assert the ships were civilian in nature, with no confirmation of military involvement.
U.S. and Coalition Perspective
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and President Donald Trump have stated that American forces used helicopters (including AH-64 Apaches and MH-60 Seahawks) to destroy six to seven Iranian small/fast-attack boats in the Strait of Hormuz. These actions were part of “Project Freedom,” aimed at reopening the strait to commercial shipping amid Iran’s efforts to disrupt transit. reuters.com
CENTCOM maintains the targeted vessels were hostile Iranian craft threatening commercial ships and U.S.-protected traffic, not civilian cargo vessels. No U.S. casualties or damage to American ships were reported. usatoday.com
The claims come amid heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil trade. The U.S. is enforcing measures to allow safe passage for vessels, including two American-flagged merchant ships that reportedly transited successfully on May 4. Iran has denied losses of its military boats and accused the U.S. of attacking civilian traffic.
No official U.S. statement has directly addressed the specific Iranian allegation of strikes on “two civilian vessels” with five fatalities.