IRGC claims hitting US warship in Hormuz, CENTCOM denies
Tensions escalated sharply in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz on Monday after Iran claimed it had forced a United States warship to retreat from the region, while US officials strongly denied reports of any attack on their vessels.
A senior Iranian official said Iranian forces fired a warning shot toward a US warship approaching the strait, adding that it was unclear whether the vessel sustained any damage. At the same time, Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that two missiles struck a US warship near the southern entrance of the strait, close to the port of Jask, forcing it to turn back.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) rejected these claims, stating that no US Navy ships had been hit. In a statement, CENTCOM confirmed that American guided-missile destroyers had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and were operating in the Arabian Gulf as part of a mission known as “Project Freedom.”
US officials said the operation is aimed at ensuring safe passage for commercial shipping through the key waterway. According to CENTCOM, American forces are actively assisting vessels stranded in the region due to ongoing conflict, and two US-flagged merchant ships have already passed safely through the strait.
Iran, however, issued a strong warning, stating that foreign military presence in the Strait of Hormuz without coordination would not be tolerated. State media reported that Iran’s navy had prevented enemy warships from entering the area by issuing a swift warning, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to take action against any vessels violating its regulations. Iranian officials emphasized that transit through the strait requires authorization from their armed forces.
Separately, the United Arab Emirates accused Iran of carrying out a drone attack on an empty oil tanker operated by ADNOC. The vessel, named Barakah, was reportedly hit by two drones while passing through the strait, though no injuries were reported. The UAE condemned the incident and called on Iran to halt such attacks and ensure the safe reopening of the waterway. Earlier, a UK maritime agency also reported that a tanker had been struck by unidentified projectiles in the same area.
Amid rising tensions, Iran confirmed it is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the proposal was delivered through Pakistan and is under consideration, but criticized Washington for making what he described as excessive and unreasonable demands. He stressed that Iran’s priority remains ending the war, while reports about nuclear negotiations are largely speculative at this stage.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also released a new map outlining areas of the Strait of Hormuz under their control, though it remains unclear whether this reflects any significant change. Iranian military officials reiterated that the security of the strait is under their control and warned that any attempt by US forces to enter the area would be met with a harsh response.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and the latest developments have raised concerns about potential disruptions to global trade and energy supplies.