U.S. Denies Iranian Claims of Warship Collision

The Pentagon has refuted claims from Iranian officials that a U.S. warship was involved in a collision near the Strait of Hormuz. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), two U.S.-flagged ships successfully navigated the waterway, countering reports suggesting that one had been struck.

Iranian news agencies, aligned with the government, reported that a U.S. warship had been hit by two missiles, forcing it to retreat. However, CENTCOM quickly dismissed this assertion, reaffirming that both vessels passed through under a robust protective presence provided by U.S. air and naval forces.

“No U.S. Navy vessels were attacked. The U.S. military is supporting Project Freedom and implementing a naval blockade of Iranian ports,” CENTCOM stated on social media.

This claim arises amid warnings from Iranian officials that any U.S. guidance for commercial ships in the Strait would breach a ceasefire agreement.

“We have consistently maintained that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is managed by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and any safe navigation must be coordinated with our military,” the Unified Command of the Iranian Armed Forces stated.

The situation escalated following what President Donald Trump called a “humanitarian” appeal. He mentioned on social media that neutral nations were seeking assistance in freeing ships “trapped” in the conflict, asserting that these nations were merely innocent bystanders. He emphasized his commitment to support crews who were running low on necessities.

“Countries globally, largely uninvolved in the visible and violent conflict in the Middle East, have approached the United States for help in liberating their ships within the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing that they are simply neutral and innocent bystanders!” the president noted in his social media post.