Iranian state media claimed on Monday that a U.S. Navy frigate was struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, but the United States has firmly denied the report. The semi-official Fars news agency alleged that the attack occurred close to the port of Jask, located at the southern entrance of the strategic waterway, and asserted that the vessel was forced to retreat.
U.S. Central Command Rebuts Claims
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) swiftly dismissed the reports as false, stating via social media that no Navy ships have been struck. CENTCOM clarified that U.S. forces remain in the region to support "Project Freedom," a new initiative launched by President Donald Trump to escort international commercial vessels through the ongoing Iranian naval blockade.
Background of Tensions
The Iranian claims follow a direct warning from Tehran for foreign navies to avoid the waterway. Tensions escalated after President Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would begin guiding ships from uninvolved nations safely through the restricted waterways starting Monday morning.
The "Project Freedom" initiative reportedly involves 15,000 service members, guided-missile destroyers, and over 100 aircraft. While Iran continues its efforts to choke off global energy supplies via the Strait, the U.S. maintains its own counter-blockade on Iranian ports, further heightening the risk of direct military confrontation in the region.
