US says it destroyed Iranian boats, Iran denies naval losses

The US says its forces have destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted cruise missiles and drones during a new operation aimed at securing shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian officials rejected the US account. State television quoted a military official denying that any Iranian boats had been sunk, directly contradicting the US claims.

US Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command, said on Monday that US forces carried out the action as part of efforts to keep the waterway open amid escalating tensions.

He said he had “strongly advised” Iranian forces to stay clear of US military assets as the operation unfolded.

Cooper added that Washington’s blockade of Iran remains in place, restricting vessels from entering or leaving Iranian ports, and said the measures are exceeding expectations.