PiCK
Iran Says US Warship Was Hit by Missiles in Hormuz Area; US Denies Attack
Summary
- Iran and the US gave conflicting accounts over whether a US Navy warship was hit near the Strait of Hormuz.
- Iranian media and state television reported that the US warship was hit by two missiles and retreated, and that its attempt to enter the Strait of Hormuz was blocked.
- US Central Command denied any strike and said it had launched Project Freedom to strengthen the maritime blockade.
Forecast Trend Report by Period
Iranian media claim US warship was hit by missiles
US military swiftly denies the report
Tensions flare again around the Strait of Hormuz
Iran and the US offered starkly different accounts over whether a US Navy warship was hit near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s Fars News Agency reported on May 4 that a US Navy escort vessel was hit by two Iranian missiles in the Gulf of Oman and forced to withdraw. The US military immediately rejected the claim as false.
Fars said the vessel had tried to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while violating navigation rules near waters off Jask in southeastern Iran.
The agency reported that the US warship ignored warnings from the Iranian navy and continued maneuvering before coming under missile attack. It said the ship was struck by two missiles, could not continue sailing and turned back.
Iran’s state broadcaster, citing the military’s public affairs office, also reported that a swift and firm warning from Iranian forces blocked an attempt by US Navy “destroyers” to enter the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military quickly pushed back through official channels. US Central Command said on social media: “Fact check: No US Navy ship has been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and strengthening the maritime blockade of Iranian ports.”
Reuters, citing a senior Iranian official, reported that Iranian forces fired warning shots to prevent a US warship from entering the Strait of Hormuz, though it said it was unclear whether the vessel sustained any damage.
Meanwhile, the US military on May 4 began full-scale implementation of Project Freedom, an operation aimed at supporting the safe passage of civilian vessels in Gulf waters.
Shin Hyun-bo, Hankyung.com reporter greaterfool@hankyung.com
Korea Economic Daily
hankyung@bloomingbit.ioThe Korea Economic Daily Global is a digital media where latest news on Korean companies, industries, and financial markets.
