The United States has denied reports from Iranian media that a Navy ship was struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz. The semi-official Fars news agency claimed the attack targeted a frigate close to the port of Jask, located at the southern end of the strategic waterway.
The incident comes after Iran's armed forces warned foreign navies to stay away from the vital shipping route. This warning followed former President Donald Trump's announcement on his Truth Social platform that the US would help guide international ships through Iran's blockade starting "Monday morning Middle East time," a mission dubbed "Project Freedom."
According to Fars, the US warship was forced to turn around and sail away from the area. However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) swiftly denied the reports. In a post on X, CENTCOM stated: "No US Navy ships have been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports."
Trump's post on Sunday read: "For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have told these Countries that we will guide their Ships safely out of these restricted Waterways, so that they can freely and ably get on with their business. Again, these are Ships from areas of the World that are not in any way involved with that which is currently taking place in the Middle East."
US Central Command has announced that 15,000 service members will be involved in the initiative to restore freedom of navigation, along with guided-missile destroyers and more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft.
The situation remains tense as both sides continue to exchange accusations. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for global oil shipments, and any disruption could have significant economic repercussions.
