Iran Claims It Turned Back US Warship from Strait of Hormuz; Washington Denies Strike
Tehran/Washington — Iran announced on Monday that its navy successfully prevented a US warship from entering the Strait of Hormuz by issuing a “firm and swift warning,” while Washington quickly rejected more dramatic claims that the vessel had been struck by missiles .
The Islamic Republic’s navy said it had issued a decisive warning to “American and Zionist enemy destroyers,” forcing them to abandon any attempt to enter the strategic waterway . The semi-official Fars news agency went further, alleging that two missiles had hit a US Navy frigate near the port of Jask at the southern entrance to the strait, forcing it to retreat .
The United States strongly denied the missile strike claims
US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a unequivocal statement on X: “No US Navy ships have been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports” .
A senior Iranian official offered a more measured account, telling Reuters that warning shots had been fired, but stating it was unclear whether any vessel had been damaged .
Project Freedom Underway
The confrontation came hours after President Donald Trump announced the launch of “Project Freedom,” an operation designed to guide hundreds of commercial vessels stranded in the Persian Gulf safely out of the waterway .
Trump warned that any interference with the mission would be “dealt with forcefully” . CENTCOM said it would commit 15,000 military personnel, more than 100 aircraft, warships and drones to the effort .
Iran’s unified military command had warned earlier Monday that any foreign armed forces, “especially the aggressive US army,” would be attacked if they attempted to enter the strait .
Wider Tensions
The incident marked a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime standoff. Iran has effectively closed the strait since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran on February 28, blocking nearly all shipping and cutting off approximately a fifth of the world’s oil and gas shipments . Hundreds of commercial vessels and 20,000 seafarers remain stranded .
Key developments
- Iran’s claim: Navy prevented US warship entry after issuing “swift warning”
- Missile allegation: State media said two missiles struck US frigate; unconfirmed
- US denial: CENTCOM says “no US Navy ships have been struck”
- Project Freedom: US operation to guide stranded commercial vessels
- Warning shot: Senior Iranian official confirms shots were fired
- Ceasefire at risk: Iran says US operation violates April truce
Follow Reflecto News for continuous updates on this breaking story