The United States has denied reports by Iranian state media claiming that a U.S. Navy frigate was struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.
The semi-official Fars News Agency alleged that the attack occurred near the port of Jask, at the southern entrance of the strategic waterway, and claimed the vessel was forced to retreat.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) swiftly dismissed the report as false, stating on social media that no U.S. Navy ships had been hit.
CENTCOM added that American forces remain in the region as part of “Project Freedom,” a newly announced initiative by President Donald Trump aimed at escorting international commercial vessels through the ongoing Iranian naval blockade.
The Iranian claims come amid heightened tensions, following a warning from Tehran urging foreign navies to stay out of the waterway. The situation escalated after Trump announced on Truth Social that the U.S. would begin guiding ships from non-involved nations safely through the restricted route starting Monday morning.
The “Project Freedom” operation is said to involve about 15,000 service members, guided-missile destroyers, and more than 100 aircraft. While Iran continues efforts to disrupt global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz, the United States has maintained a counter-blockade on Iranian ports, increasing the risk of a direct military confrontation in the region.
