Iran disputes US oil claim, approves new rule on Hormuz data cables

Iran has disputed a claim by US Central Command (Centcom) that it escorted tankers carrying more than a billion barrels of oil through the Strait of Hormuz.

Armed forces spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi called the claim a “failed psychological operation” meant to boost US troop morale and justify the war’s financial and human costs, Iran’s Fars news agency reported.

Centcom had also said it protected more than 2,000 commercial transits through the strait and cleared its main shipping lanes of mines, in addition to facilitating oil exports.

Separately, a committee of senior Iranian officials has approved a rule requiring Tehran’s approval for data cables routed through the strait, Fars reported.

The measure, known as Article 10, will also apply to other data communications equipment passing through the waterway, with further details to be set out in upcoming regulations.