Iran has claimed they have struck a US Navy patrol boat with two missiles after ignoring warnings not to pass the Strait of Hormuz.
According to a statement from the Iranian navy: “With a decisive and rapid warning from the Navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the entry of ‘American-Zionist’ enemy destroyers into the Strait of Hormuz region was prevented. Additional news will be announced soon.”
IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency claimed two missiles hit the US boat as it tried to pass the Strait and was forced to turn back.
Writing on X, US Central Command denied an attack had taken place. A statement read: “No US Navy ships have been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports.”
President Donald Trump has promised to guide ships attempting to traverse the Strait of Hormuz, with escorts beginning on Monday.
Taking to Truth Social on Sunday evening, the president penned a lengthy, ranty message about the unfairness of the strait’s closure, which he said is impacting “neutral innocent bystanders” who aren’t involved in his war with Iran.
Trump described part of what he called “Project Freedom” in humanitarian terms, designed to aid stranded seafarers, many on oil tankers or cargo ships, have been stuck in the Persian Gulf since the war began.
The United States said Monday it is ready to “guide” commercial ships through the Strait.
The US-led Joint Maritime Information Center advised ships to cross the Strait in Oman’s waters, saying it had set up an “enhanced security area.” The American military has said the initiative might involve guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 aircraft and 15,000 service members but has not specified what kind of assistance or escorts it would provide ships.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency later called Trump’s “Project Freedom” part of his “delirium.” Iran’s military command said on Monday that ships passing must coordinate with them.
“We warn that any foreign military force — especially the aggressive US military — that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted,” Major General Pilot Ali Abdollahi told state broadcaster IRIB.
