Iran claims strike on US vessel in Strait of Hormuz as fighting escalates

Iran says it struck an unmanned US vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, adding a new flashpoint to a conflict that has repeatedly threatened the strategically important waterway. The United States had not immediately confirmed the reported attack.

The claim came a day after the US military said its forces had struck three Iranian oil tankers. Washington described those strikes as a response to a missile attack on US Navy warships.

The war began with US and Israeli attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. Although the two sides announced a ceasefire in June, fighting continued intermittently as both pursued military and economic pressure and negotiations broke down.

The United States and Iran resumed attacks last week after a month of relative calm. The Strait of Hormuz and Iranian communities along its shores again became targets. At least five people were killed earlier in the week during a US bombardment of southern Iran.

The Trump administration appears to be pursuing a two-track response, combining military action against attacks around the strait with further pressure on Iran. The renewed violence has deepened uncertainty around a conflict that had never fully stopped despite the ceasefire.