Iran touts Hormuz attacks as oil flows increase despite tensions
Mediators are trying to facilitate more talks, but Washington signals faith in its pressure tactics.
Tehran, Iran – Iran is claiming success in attacking ships – including US Navy vessels – near the Strait of Hormuz, saying that the strikes have forced Washington to move its warships further from the Iranian coast.
It comes as US media reported on Sunday that eight US Marines had suffered from smoke inhalation and potential traumatic brain injuries on September 14 after being targeted by an Iranian antiship cruise missile in the Strait of Hormuz.
Al Jazeera reached out to US Central Command (CENTCOM) for comment on the reports, but did not receive a response. CENTCOM previously said that US vessels had successfully evaded Iranian ballistic missile attacks earlier this month. The US officials quoted in the reports on the injuries to the US Marines said that the vessel they were on when attacked was not a US Navy ship.
Bessent also claimed on Sunday that Iran was unable to export its own oil through the blockade, leaving it with only about 15 million barrels already stored at sea that could be shipped to China within two weeks.