WASHINGTON — The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has rejected Iranian media reports alleging that American forces struck a civilian wheat storage facility during military operations in Iran on July 14, insisting that the attacks were directed solely at military targets.
In a statement released Wednesday, CENTCOM dismissed the allegation as false, saying the operation was aimed at weakening Iran’s military capabilities linked to attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US military, the strikes targeted military facilities in Bandar Abbas, Khormuj, Ahvaz, Qeshm, Tunb, Bushehr and Kuh-e Stak. CENTCOM said the objective was to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten maritime traffic in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
The command also accused Tehran of endangering civilians, alleging that Iranian forces have targeted commercial vessels and civilians traveling through the Strait of Hormuz and neighboring Gulf states.
The US statement came in response to reports from Iranian state media claiming that a civilian wheat storage facility in the southwestern city of Hoveyzeh was hit during the July 14 military operation.
The exchange of accusations follows a sharp rise in tensions between Washington and Tehran, with both sides carrying out military actions despite a Pakistan-mediated memorandum of understanding intended to reduce hostilities and create a framework for future peace negotiations.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global shipping corridor, and continued military escalation in the region has heightened concerns over maritime security and international energy supplies.
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