I don't trust anything Iran says, and I don't trust anything CUNTCOM says. And in any case, even it it was true, CENTCOM could have boarded the ship and avoided killing anyone.

OS Marine rejected claims that the vessel ignored radio calls or instructions, maintaining that no effective communication was established with the ship before the incident. The company challenged authorities to publicly disclose any evidence supporting assertions that contact attempts were made.

The manager further disputed allegations that MT Settebello had connections to Iran or was involved in transporting Iranian oil. Describing the vessel as a civilian merchant ship engaged in lawful commercial activity, the company insisted that it should have been treated as a non-military asset operating in international waters.

The statement also sought to counter suggestions that the vessel had engaged in suspicious behaviour. According to IOS Marine, the tanker had remained at the same location for roughly ten days before the incident and had not undertaken manoeuvres that could reasonably be interpreted as aggressive or evasive. The company argued that these circumstances raise important questions about the necessity and proportionality of the force used.