The Iranian military reported firing missiles and drones at a US warship near the Strait of Hormuz as a warning for the vessel to turn back.
“Immediately after they switched their radars back on they were detected and faced a radio warning from the navy of the Islamic Republic of Iran about the dangers of violating the ceasefire,” The Iranian army said. “The Iranian navy issued a further warning by firing cruise missile, rocket, and combat drone warning shots near the hostile vessels.”
Initially, Iranian sources reported that the US warship had been hit by two missiles. The Pentagon denied that any US ships suffered damage near the Strait.
The incident occurred on Monday after President Donald Trump announced “Project Freedom.” The President said the operation would involve US warships guiding commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz.
“Many of these Ships are running low on food, and everything else necessary for large-scale crews to stay on board in a healthy and sanitary manner,” Trump said Sunday, adding that any interference in the operation would “unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”
US Central Command later clarified that the US military would be providing the commercial ships with information on how to avoid potential mines in the Strait.
Monday morning, the Pentagon claimed that “Project Freedom” assisted two vessels in transiting the Strait. Arab States reported Iranian attacks on tankers in the Gulf. Also, a South Korean ship in the Persian Gulf reported a fire in the engine room, and the cause is under investigation.
The US also reported sinking six Iranian fast-attack boats, a claim Tehran denied.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a central issue in Trump’s war against Iran. Before the surprise US and Israeli attack on Iran in February, the Strait was treated as an international waterway. During the war, Tehran seized control of the waterway and has prevented vessels tied to the US and Israel from exiting the Persian Gulf. Iranian officials say Tehran plans to retain control over the Strait after the war ends.
