Iran launches missile strike against American naval vessel in Strait of Hormuz, according to reports

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Iran’s Fars news agency said Monday that Iranian forces struck a US Navy frigate in a missile attack in the Strait of Hormuz, but the US military quickly denied the claim.

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The report from Fars came hours after President Donald Trump said US forces would on Monday begin guiding ships through the waterway.

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“The frigate, which was sailing in violation of navigation and maritime safety rules near (the port of) Jask, was targeted by a missile attack after ignoring a warning from the Iranian navy,” Fars said, without citing a source.

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“The American frigate that was hit was unable to continue its journey and was forced to turn back and flee the area,” the Iranian news agency reported.

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There was no confirmation from other sources of missiles being fired, and the US military’s Central Command issued a denial on X.

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“No US Navy ships have been struck,” it wrote.

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Trump had said the United States would on Monday begin guiding ships through the strategic strait, which was a major transport route for oil, gas and fertiliser before the Middle East war broke out on February 28 and Iran began blockading the waterway.

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Jask, in southern Iran on the coast of the Gulf, is located about 200 kilometres (124 miles) from the narrow strait, which separates the Arabian Peninsula from Iran.

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The exact location of the alleged missile incident was not specified by Fars.

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Iran’s military has warned that US forces will be attacked if they approach the strait.

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Since the beginning of the war, Iranian forces have allowed only a handful of ships to pass through the waterway.

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In retaliation, the United States says it has been blocking access to Iranian ports since April 13.

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AFP

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