The United States Central Command on Saturday dismissed claims that American service members had been captured by Iran, firmly denying reports that any U.S. troops were being held by Iranian forces.
The response followed a statement posted on X by Iranian security chief Ali Larijani, who wrote: “It has been reported to me that several American soldiers have been taken prisoner.”
Responding to the claim, U.S. Navy Captain Tim Hawkins, a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command, rejected the allegation and accused Tehran of spreading misinformation.
“The Iranian regime is doing everything it can to peddle lies and deceive. This is yet another clear example,” Hawkins said.
Meanwhile, Iran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, said comments he previously made regarding attacks in the Gulf region had been misunderstood.
According to Iranian state television, Pezeshkian said his statements were “misinterpreted by the enemy that seeks to sow division with neighbours”, after some observers viewed his remarks as an indication that Iran planned to suspend strikes on Gulf countries while attacks elsewhere continued.
“It has repeatedly been said we are brothers and must have good relations with neighbours. However, we are forced to retaliate to attacks but this does not mean we have a dispute with a (neighbouring) country or want to upset their people,” Pezeshkian said.
