12/07/2026
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12/07/2026
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WASHINGTON, July 12: U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz on Sunday rejected claims that Iran accidentally targeted commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the latest reported attack contradicts that explanation.
Speaking to ABC, Waltz dismissed a claim attributed to an unnamed U.S. official and reported by CNN that Iran had told Washington earlier attacks on merchant ships were the result of a mistake.
"Are we supposed to believe that some junior officers are going rogue and firing on ships, but yet face no consequences from a dictatorial hierarchy-based entity like the IRGC? I don't buy it," Waltz said.
The unnamed U.S. official cited by CNN had said Iran acknowledged in communications with Washington that earlier strikes on commercial vessels were accidental.
However, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said Iran "blatantly attacked" another commercial vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, a development Waltz said undermines the claim that the earlier incidents were unintended.
Waltz also accused Iran of violating international law by attacking neighboring countries, civilian shipping and critical infrastructure, while noting that technical talks between Tehran and Washington are continuing despite what he described as the Iranian leadership being "incredibly difficult to deal with."