US rejects Iranian claim that warship was hit by missiles
US rejects Iranian: The US has rejected an Iranian media report claiming that one of its warships was struck by Iranian missiles while attempting to enter the Strait of Hormuz. This denial comes amid heightened tensions in the region and ongoing efforts by the US to assist commercial vessels navigating the strategic waterway.
Details of the incident and US response
The semi-official Iranian news agency Fars reported that two missiles hit a US Navy boat in the Strait of Hormuz after it allegedly ignored a warning from Iran’s Navy. However, US Central Command (Centcom) issued a statement firmly denying that any US Navy ships had been struck. Centcom confirmed that US forces are actively enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
In addition, Centcom reported that two US-flagged merchant vessels had successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz, although the names of these vessels were not disclosed. The US military emphasized that American forces are assisting efforts to restore commercial shipping transit through the strait.
US efforts to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz
On the same day, the US announced it would begin helping to “guide” vessels out of the Strait of Hormuz as part of an operation dubbed “Project Freedom.” This initiative aims to free merchant ships stranded by Iran’s closure of the key shipping channel, which has been in place since the start of the conflict.
US President Donald Trump described Project Freedom as a “humanitarian gesture” and warned that any interference with the operation would be met with force. Centcom stated that approximately 15,000 US service personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and more than 100 aircraft would be involved in the effort. The US blockade of Iranian ports will continue alongside this operation.
Context and regional implications
The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial maritime passage through which about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas typically passes. Iran’s closure of the channel has led to a rise in global fuel prices and left thousands of sailors stranded on around 2,000 ships trapped by the blockade.
Iran’s military has warned it would attack any foreign forces entering the strait, particularly targeting the US military. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that Iran fired a warning shot against the US warship to prevent its entry, though it remains unclear if any damage occurred. Iranian media also claimed that American and Israeli “enemy destroyers” were prevented from entering the strait on the same day.
Meanwhile, the two countries are observing a temporary ceasefire that began earlier in April and are reportedly working toward a permanent peace plan. However, a senior Iranian official cautioned that any US attempt to interfere in the strait would be considered a violation of the ceasefire.
Additional developments in the region
Reports from the United Kingdom Maritime Transportation Operation (UKMTO) indicated that a tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile” in the strait, though the crew remained safe. The United Arab Emirates also reported that a tanker affiliated with its state-owned oil company, Adnoc, was hit, with no injuries reported.
Separately, Pakistan announced that 22 crew members from the Iranian container ship Touska, which was seized by the US last month, would be handed over to Iranian authorities. The repatriation was described as a confidence-building measure by the US.
Peace proposals and ongoing negotiations
Iranian state-linked media reported that Tehran received a US response to its latest 14-point peace proposal via Pakistan. The proposal calls for the withdrawal of US forces from near Iran’s borders, an end to the naval blockade of Iranian ports, and a cessation of all hostilities, including Israel’s offensive in Lebanon. It also urges the two sides to focus on ending the war rather than extending the current ceasefire, with an agreement to be reached within 30 days.
US President Trump confirmed receipt of the Iranian peace plan but expressed skepticism about its acceptability, citing that Iran had not yet paid a sufficient price for its actions over the past decades. Trump also indicated that military strikes against targets inside Iran remain a possibility if Iran “misbehaves.”
Iranian officials have stated that nuclear negotiations are not currently underway, maintaining that their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. The US continues to demand restrictions on Iran’s nuclear activities as part of any broader agreement.