The US Central Command refuted Iranian reports that an American vessel was hit in the Strait of Hormuz, amid escalating tensions in the region.
Iran Warns US
Iranian armed forces warned the US Navy against entering the Strait of Hormuz, following President Trump’s announcement of assistance to commercial ships transiting the waterway.
Ali Abdollahi, chief of Iran’s armed forces general staff, stated any aggressive forces attempting to approach the Strait would be attacked. The Iranian army pledged a “strong reaction” to any threats and urged coordination with Iranian military for safe passage.
US Launches ‘Operation Freedom’
The US Central Command reported that two American-flagged commercial vessels safely transited the Strait of Hormuz as part of “Operation Freedom,” aimed at securing commercial shipping lanes.
The operation involves coordinating ship movements with ship owners and insurers, supported by US forces. US missile destroyers are currently operating in the Strait.
Iran Claims to Block US Vessels
Iranian state television reported that the navy prevented US ships from entering the Strait of Hormuz, successfully blocking “American and Zionist [Israeli] destroyers” due to a “firm and swift warning.”
Strait of Hormuz Nearly Blocked
The Strait of Hormuz, crucial for oil transport, has been almost entirely blocked by Iran since the start of the US and Israel’s conflict with Yemen in late February.
Lloyd’s List Intelligence data indicates that before the conflict, around 3,000 ships passed through the Strait monthly, a number that has fallen to approximately 150 since February 28th. Over 22 vessels have been targeted, leaving around 2,000 ships with over 20,000 people stranded in the Persian Gulf.
Initial Iranian Report Contradicted
Earlier, Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency reported, citing local sources, that an American ship ignored Iranian warnings and was subsequently fired upon and turned back.
