‘We own it’: Trump claims total control of Hormuz after US strikes Iran-bound ship
Washington: Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have escalated after US forces fired missiles at a Panama-flagged cargo ship accused of attempting to break the American blockade of Iranian ports, while President Donald Trump again claimed that the United States has “total control” of the strategic waterway.
The US Navy’s MH-60 helicopter targeted the engine room of the M/V Vela Nova on Tuesday (local time) after the vessel allegedly ignored repeated warnings from American forces, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.
The strike disabled the ship and stopped it from continuing towards Iran, according to CENTCOM. The military did not report any casualties among the civilian crew.
The incident marks the third time US forces have forcibly halted a vessel since Washington reinstated its blockade of Iranian ports on July 14.
US says 55 ships have been stopped
CENTCOM said US forces have so far redirected 55 vessels that attempted to run the blockade and boarded two others.
The latest confrontation comes amid a wider military standoff that has severely disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has demanded that the US end the ports blockade and lift sanctions as part of conditions linked to reopening the waterway.
Before the current conflict, the Strait carried roughly one-fifth of the world's traded oil supplies, making the disruption a major concern for global energy markets.
Trump: ‘We own it’
Against this backdrop, Trump reiterated his claim that Washington now controls the Strait.
“We have total control over the Hormuz Strait right now. They don't have control. We have total control. We own it,” Trump told reporters.
Trump also accused Iran of repeatedly lying to the US and warned Tehran that any action against American interests could trigger a forceful response.
Meanwhile, Iran has rejected the US claims over the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baqaei, according to state broadcaster Press TV, blamed the situation on what he called ongoing US-Israeli military aggression.
Baqaei also criticised Western sanctions against Iran. He rejected claims that Tehran was imposing conditions on the movement of vessels through the strategic waterway.
Diplomatic efforts continue
Amid the military escalation, diplomatic efforts are also continuing.
Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi travelled to Tehran on Tuesday for talks with Iranian officials as part of Islamabad's efforts to encourage renewed negotiations between Iran and the United States.
Iran has continued to demand an end to the US blockade and sanctions, while Washington has maintained pressure on Tehran. With shipping routes facing attacks and military forces confronting vessels at sea, the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most dangerous flashpoints in the wider US-Iran conflict.
(With agency inputs)