America Denies Any Navy Vessels Were Struck in the Strait of Hormuz

SadaNews - After the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's news agency, "Fars," claimed that two missiles struck an American warship while it was sailing near Jask at the southern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz, forcing it to abandon its crossing attempt, the U.S. Central Command, "CENTCOM," responded to those claims.

CENTCOM stated in a post on "X" on Monday that no U.S. Navy vessels have been struck.

It also added that U.S. forces support the initiative to restore freedom of navigation in the strait and impose a maritime blockade on Iranian ports.

"Iranian Warning"

Earlier today, Iranian forces warned U.S. naval vessels against approaching or entering the maritime passage.

The commander of the Central Military Command, Ali Abdullah Ali Abadi, said: "We warn any foreign force, especially the U.S. military, that it will be attacked if it intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz." He also added that cargo ships seeking to pass through the strait must coordinate with Iranian forces. He confirmed that the military "will respond firmly to any threat at any level and in any area of Iran." He also cautioned that "any U.S. aggressive actions will only complicate the current situation and jeopardize the safety of vessels in the Gulf."

"Project Freedom"

These Iranian positions came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday evening the launch of "Project Freedom" to secure the passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. He stated in a post on his platform "Truth Social" that his country "will escort vessels in the strait starting from Monday," indicating that "countries from around the world" requested this. He added, "In the interest of Iran, the Middle East, and the United States, we have informed these countries that we will guide their vessels safely out of these restricted waterways so they can continue their activities freely and efficiently."

However, the U.S. president did not provide many details on how the mission will proceed.

It is worth mentioning that since late February, Iranian forces have effectively continued to close the Strait of Hormuz through which a quarter of global oil and gas shipments pass, disrupting the transit of essential supplies of oil, gas, and fertilizers.

Meanwhile, the United States has maintained a blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, which continues to this day.