CENTCOM denies Iranian media claim of US Navy helicopter crash in Red Sea amid Strait of Hormuz tanker strike

US Central Command rejected Iranian state media reports that a US Navy MH-60R helicopter crashed in the Red Sea after declaring an emergency, stating all US military assets remain secure. Separately, UKMTO reported an outbound oil tanker was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, with authorities investigating the incident.

Why it matters. The incident heightens maritime security risks in critical chokepoints, affecting global oil shipping lanes and escalating US-Iran tensions amid stalled diplomatic efforts.