The Iranian Navy has launched missiles against two US warships in the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported on Monday. The development, which came hours after Donald Trump announced a mission to escort the stranded vessels, raises the fears of war resuming in the region.
Iranian military sources have claimed that its naval forces stopped US warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz after issuing what it described as a “firm and swift warning,” according to a brief statement carried by the Tasnim News Agency.
The statement said: “Additional news will be announced later,” without providing further operational details.
Separately, Iran's Fars News Agency, citing local sources, reported that two missiles struck a US Navy vessel near Jask Island after it allegedly ignored warnings from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to halt. The claim has not been independently verified by US authorities at this stage.
Al-Jazeera reported that the reported escalation comes shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that the United States would begin “Project Freedom” on Monday, aimed at “guiding” stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the announcement, US Central Command would support the operation with 15,000 military personnel, over 100 land and sea-based aircraft, alongside warships and drones.
Earlier, in a separate statement carried by Fars News Agency, IRGC spokesman Sardar Mohebbi warned that any vessels violating what Tehran described as the “management process of the Strait of Hormuz” would face consequences.
“There has been no change in the management process of the Strait of Hormuz. Any maritime movement of civilian and commercial vessels that complies with the transit protocols issued by the IRGC Navy and takes place through the specified route in coordination will be safe and sound,” Mohebbi said.
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He further added: “Other maritime movements that are contrary to the principles announced by the IRGC Navy will face serious risks. Violating vessels will be forcefully stopped.”
Mohebbi also urged global shipping stakeholders to take note of Tehran's directives, saying: “It is essential that all shipping companies and transport insurance companies pay attention to the IRGC's announcements.”
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