Reports of missile fire near a United States naval vessel in the Strait of Hormuz have raised tensions as Washington advances a plan to move stranded ships through the waterway.
Iranian state media said two missiles struck a US warship near Jask after the vessel ignored warnings to halt. The Fars news agency cited local sources and said the ship withdrew from the area. The claim has not been verified.
A senior US official denied that any American vessel had been hit, according to Axios.
The reported incident came hours after US President Donald Trump announced a naval operation named Project Freedom. He said the mission would begin on Monday to guide commercial ships out of the strait.
“For the good of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we will guide their ships safely out of these restricted waterways,” Trump said on Truth Social. He added that many vessels were short of food and supplies and described the plan as a humanitarian effort. Iran has warned that the operation is a violation of the fragile ceasefire between Iran and the US.
Iran has also warned of military action. Major General Ali Abdollahi, head of Iran’s central military command, said any foreign force entering the strait would be targeted. “We warn that any foreign armed forces, especially the US army, will be attacked if they intend to approach,” he said in remarks carried by state media.
Iran’s military also claimed it had prevented a US destroyer from entering the strait with what it described as a firm warning. No independent confirmation has been provided.
The Strait of Hormuz remains under heavy restriction following the war that began in February. Iran imposed limits on shipping as retaliation for illegal strikes by the United States and Israel, while Washington responded with a blockade on Iranian ports.
The waterway handles about one fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Disruption has left around 2,000 vessels stranded with an estimated 20,000 seafarers on board, according to the International Maritime Organization.
The US military said it would support the operation with 15,000 personnel, guided missile destroyers, and more than 100 aircraft. Officials have not clarified whether ships will receive direct escort or navigation guidance.
Iran has said all vessels must coordinate with its forces before entering the strait. A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said ships following its procedures would be safe, while others would face action.
Diplomatic efforts continue in parallel. Iran confirmed it is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the conflict. Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said discussions remain focused on stopping the war before wider issues are addressed.
French President Emmanuel Macron called for a coordinated reopening of the strait by both sides. “That is the only solution for reopening the Strait of Hormuz,” he said during a meeting in Armenia, according to reports.
Energy markets have shown limited reaction to the latest developments. Brent crude traded near $108 per barrel, with analysts noting that supply disruption remains unresolved.
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