The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has refuted Iranian media reports stating that American fighter jets were destroyed during an Iranian assault on a US air base. CENTCOM confirmed that all American aircraft remain intact and have not sustained any damage.
CENTCOM labeled as "untrue" the claims of the destruction of three F-35 fighters and three other aircraft. They clarified that all Iranian missiles and drones launched during the attack were either intercepted or failed to hit their targets.
The command also dismissed what it called Revolutionary Guard claims that free maritime passages in the Strait of Hormuz pose a threat to commercial vessels. CENTCOM argued that the real danger comes from verbal threats and attempted attacks targeting civilian ships and their crews.
In a related context, CENTCOM denied reports about the "Nora" oil tanker breaking through the US-imposed blockade, stating that the vessel did not manage to bypass the imposed measures.
CENTCOM added that more than 20 US warships, alongside hundreds of aircraft and thousands of American servicemembers, continue their missions in the region to ensure what they describe as maintaining the blockade.