On May 4 (local time), a semi-official Iranian outlet reported that Iranian forces fired two missiles at a U.S. Navy escort vessel attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz, forcing it to withdraw. The U.S. military denied the claim.
The report came from Fars News Agency, which cited local sources in southern Iran.
According to Fars, the U.S. Navy escort vessel ignored warnings from the Iranian navy off Jask in southeastern Iran, continued maneuvering and was struck by missiles.
Jask is a port on the Gulf of Oman, east of the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials say the escort vessel violated navigation and transit rules.
Fars quoted sources saying the warship took two missile hits, forcing it to break off its transit and turn back.
Iran's state broadcaster, citing the military's public affairs office, said Tehran's swift and decisive warning had blocked attempts by U.S. Navy \"destroyers\" to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees operations in the region, dismissed the claims.
CENTCOM posted on X (formerly Twitter): \"Fact check: no U.S. Navy ship was struck.\" The command said U.S. forces are supporting \"Project Freedom\" and are strengthening a maritime blockade of Iranian ports, rejecting the Iranian media accounts.
Earlier that morning, U.S. forces launched \"Project Freedom,\" an operation to escort civilian vessels trapped in the Gulf (Persian Gulf) through the Strait of Hormuz.
