Cairo, Sep 6: Iran on Sunday claimed it had struck an unmanned US vessel attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions between Tehran and Washington intensified amid renewed fighting.
The United States did not immediately confirm the reported attack, which came a day after the US military said it had struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to a missile attack on American Navy warships.
The conflict began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28. Although a ceasefire was announced in June, intermittent hostilities have continued as efforts to revive negotiations have broken down.
The two sides resumed attacks last week following a month-long lull, with the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and Iranian communities along its shores again coming under attack. At least five people were killed earlier this week in US strikes on southern Iran.
The Trump administration appears to be pursuing a two-pronged strategy, combining military action against attacks around the strait with financial pressure on institutions handling Iranian funds.
Iran, meanwhile, has signalled it is prepared for a prolonged confrontation despite decades of sanctions and mounting economic pressure.
Tehran has continued using a shadow fleet to transport oil and circumvent sanctions, providing some relief to its economy.
Iran’s nuclear programme, a major factor behind the conflict, was also at the centre of negotiations that collapsed shortly after the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding in June.
Diplomats said the US, Britain, France and Germany are seeking to refer Iran to the UN Security Council over alleged non-compliance with its nuclear non-proliferation obligations.
Iran’s growing leverage now centres on the Strait of Hormuz, a key global route for oil and natural gas shipments and a major international waterway.
