Iran has claimed that it forced a United States warship to turn back from the Strait of Hormuz after issuing what it described as a “swift and decisive warning,” though Washington has rejected reports that any missile strike occurred.
According to Iran’s navy, the vessel attempted to approach the strategic waterway but was prevented from entering what it considers its operational zone.
Iranian officials said foreign military ships must coordinate movements with their forces or risk being targeted.
Semi-official Iranian media outlets also reported that the ship was struck by two missiles near the port of Jask at the southern entrance of the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently withdrew.
However, a senior U.S. official denied that any such attack took place, according to reporting from Axios journalist Barak Ravid.
The claims could not be independently verified by Reuters, and no official confirmation of damage or casualties has been provided by the United States.
The incident comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a new maritime operation aimed at escorting and assisting commercial ships trapped in the Gulf region.
Trump described the initiative as a “humanitarian gesture” to help vessels affected by ongoing tensions in the area.
Iran, however, has strongly opposed any foreign military presence in the strait, warning that all navigation must be coordinated with its armed forces.
Military officials reiterated that any unauthorized entry by foreign warships could trigger a “decisive response.”
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors, with a significant share of global oil and gas shipments passing through it. Tensions in the area have escalated repeatedly since the outbreak of conflict, with both sides accusing each other of blockades, provocations, and military escalation.
While Iran insists it is maintaining control over its territorial waters, the United States maintains that its naval operations are aimed at protecting commercial shipping and ensuring passage through the region.
The latest claims and counterclaims add another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile situation, with both sides continuing to signal readiness for further confrontation even as diplomatic channels remain open.
