Iranian media (Fars news agency) on Monday reported that a U.S. warship was struck by two missiles near the Strait of Hormuz, forcing it to turn back after allegedly ignoring warnings from Iranian naval forces.
According to the semi-official Fars News Agency, the incident occurred near the port of Jask at the southern entrance to the strategically vital waterway. The report said the vessel had attempted to transit the strait despite repeated warnings, prompting what it described as a direct response.
Iran’s navy later confirmed it had issued a “swift and decisive warning” to prevent the entry of what it called enemy warships into the Strait of Hormuz, state television reported.
Escalation in Strategic Waterway
The reported missile strike marks a sharp escalation in tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route through which roughly a fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Iran’s armed forces issued multiple warnings on Monday, cautioning foreign naval vessels against entering the waterway and vowing a “decisive response” to any violations.
The U.S. has not immediately confirmed the missile strike. However, the development comes amid heightened naval tensions following weeks of confrontation linked to the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
U.S. Push to Reopen Shipping Lanes
On Sunday, U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington would begin efforts to free ships stranded in the strait, describing the move as a “humanitarian gesture” aimed at helping neutral countries affected by the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz has remained partially disrupted despite a fragile ceasefire declared weeks ago, with both sides engaging in seizures and stand-offs involving commercial vessels.
Rising Risks Despite Ceasefire
The reported strike underscores how fragile the ceasefire remains, with military posturing continuing on both sides.
Analysts warn that even limited incidents in the narrow waterway risk triggering broader escalation, given its importance to global energy supplies and international trade.
With tensions persisting and conflicting claims emerging, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz remains volatile, raising concerns about the potential for further confrontation.
(with inputs from Reuters)
