U.S. Military Denies Iran’s Claim of Warship Strike in Strait of Hormuz

CNBC reported Monday that U.S. Central Command flatly rejected Iranian state media’s assertion that a Navy warship was hit by two missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM stated through its official channels that no U.S. vessel had been struck. The denial came hours after Iran’s Fars News Agency claimed a U.S. frigate was attacked for ignoring an Iranian Navy warning and was forced to withdraw.

CENTCOM Contradicts Iranian State Media Directly

The U.S. military command overseeing Middle East operations pushed back forcefully against the Fars account. CENTCOM said American forces were actively operating inside the Arabian Gulf following a successful Hormuz transit. Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels had already passed through the strait safely, the command added. That operational detail appeared to directly undercut Iranian claims of a forced retreat.

Also Read: Oil Markets Brace for Extended Middle East Disruption

What Project Freedom Actually Involves

President Donald Trump unveiled “Project Freedom” via Truth Social on Sunday evening. The initiative aims to guide neutral commercial vessels safely out of the waterway, which the U.S. has described as unlawfully blockaded by Iran. Trump framed the operation as humanitarian, arguing that uninvolved nations and companies should not bear the costs of a war they did not start. He also warned that any interference with the effort would be met with force.

Also Read: How the Strait of Hormuz Became the War’s Defining Chokepoint

Background: A Blockade That Has Rattled Energy Markets

The Strait of Hormuz carried roughly 20% of global oil supply before hostilities began. Iran moved to choke tanker traffic after the U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Tehran on February 28. The resulting supply disruption triggered one of the sharpest energy price shocks in years, injecting sustained uncertainty into commodity markets worldwide. A shaky ceasefire has been in place since, but peace talks have so far produced no breakthrough. In mid-April, Trump layered on a U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, betting economic pressure would force concessions. Analysts cautioned at the time that Iran could sustain the standoff for several months.

Diplomatic Risks Loom Over the Operation

Trump’s own Sunday post acknowledged that Project Freedom could complicate fragile diplomacy. Even so, he insisted the vessel movement carried no aggressive intent toward Tehran. CENTCOM’s confirmation that guided-missile destroyers are now operating in the Arabian Gulf signals Washington is prepared to back the initiative with credible naval force. Markets and energy traders will be watching the strait closely as the week unfolds.

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