Fars News Agency, a state-run Iranian media outlet, has reported that a United States Navy patrol boat has been hit by two Iranian missiles not far from the Strait of Hormuz after it ignored warnings to stay out of the critical waterway. The media outlet claimed that the boat was “forced to retreat,” without providing information on the damage.
Iran had warned the US to stay out of the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump: US Will “Guide” Neutral Ships Through Strait of Hormuz
Far News Agency, which is also said to be closely affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported on Monday that the unidentified vessel was moving near the Iranian coastal town of Jask, some 140 km from the strait’s narrowest point, and was “violating security and navigation rules [and] intending to pass through” the chokepoint.
The ship did not heed warnings from the Iranian Navy and was targeted by a missile attack, the report said, according to RT, adding that “the American patrol boat was unable to continue its route due to the hits and was forced to retreat and flee the area.”
The US has already dismissed the claim. US Central Command (CENTCOM) has stated that “no US Navy ships have been struck” and that “US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports.”
The escalation comes after US President Donald Trump promised on Sunday to “help free up” ships stuck in the Strait of Hormuz, some of which have been stranded there since late February. According to Trump, the US military will “guide” ships linked to several countries out of the waterway, “so that they can freely and ably get on with their business,” while warning that any interference would “have to be dealt with forcefully.” -RT
In response, the Iranian military warned that “any foreign military force, especially the invading American army… will be attacked” if they try to approach the Strait of Hormuz.
Both the US and Iran have their own version of a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Begins Blockade of Strait of Hormuz