DUBAI/DORAL, Florida — Iran on Monday claimed it forced a United States warship to turn back from entering the Strait of Hormuz, while a U.S. official denied reports that the vessel had been struck by Iranian missiles.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains highly volatile, with limited efforts to restore commercial shipping overshadowed by ongoing military incidents and rising tensions between the United States and Iran, raising concerns that a fragile ceasefire may be at risk of collapse.
Iran’s navy said it issued a “swift and decisive warning” that prevented what it described as “American-Zionist” warships from entering the area. The semi-official Fars news agency reported that two missiles hit a U.S. vessel near the port of Jask, where Iran maintains a naval base.
A senior U.S. official rejected the missile strike claim, according to Axios journalist Barak Ravid. Reuters said it could not independently verify either account.
Tensions escalated after U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans for American forces to help guide commercial vessels stranded in the Gulf due to the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Iran and Israel. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Washington would ensure ships could “freely and ably get on with their business.”
Iran responded by warning foreign military forces against entering the waterway and directing commercial shipping to coordinate movements with its military. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi said any foreign forces approaching the strait would be targeted.
The U.S. Central Command said it is preparing to support the effort to move stranded vessels, deploying 15,000 personnel, more than 100 aircraft, and naval assets including warships and drones. Commander Brad Cooper described the mission as essential to regional security and the global economy.
Separate reporting by the Associated Press said the U.S. military also denied Iranian claims that a naval vessel had been struck, as Washington works to establish an “enhanced security area” near Omani waters to facilitate safer passage.
The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised ships to transit closer to Oman’s side of the strait and warned of hazards, including the possible presence of naval mines. It remains unclear whether shipping companies will resume passage amid ongoing risks and insurance concerns.
Since the conflict began, Iran has largely restricted traffic through the strait, a chokepoint that handles roughly a fifth of global oil and gas shipments. The disruption has driven up energy prices and strained supply chains across Europe and Asia.
The U.S. has imposed a naval blockade on Iranian ports since April 13, aiming to pressure Tehran economically. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Iran’s revenues from transit tolls have dropped sharply, while its oil storage capacity is nearing limits.
Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain. Iranian state-linked media reported a 14-point proposal calling for sanctions relief, an end to the blockade, and a withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region. Iranian officials said they are reviewing Washington’s response, though Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei cited shifting demands as a challenge to negotiations.
Meanwhile, Pakistan said it had facilitated the transfer of 22 crew members from an Iranian vessel previously seized by the U.S., describing the move as a confidence-building measure. The ship, MV Touska, is expected to undergo repairs in Pakistani waters before being returned.
The situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, with efforts to restore commercial shipping raising concerns about further escalation despite a fragile ceasefire.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
