Iran’s state media reported Monday that two missiles hit an American Navy frigate near the Strait of Hormuz, forcing it to “turn back and flee.” U.S. Central Command rejected the claim outright.
“No U.S. Navy ships have been struck,” CENTCOM stated. “U.S. forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports.”
The claim came from Fars News Agency, a state outlet closely tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The agency reported that “two missiles have struck a US Navy frigate in the regional waters” near the port of Jask in the Gulf of Oman. Iran alleged the ship had been attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and had ignored Iranian warnings to turn back before the attack was launched.
Since Operation Epic Fury began in February, Iran and Iran-linked groups have made repeated claims about hitting and even destroying U.S. warships, including aircraft carriers. CENTCOM has denied each one.
The timing is notable. President Trump announced “Project Freedom” on Sunday, a mission to escort merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump described the operation as a humanitarian effort for “neutral and innocent bystanders” and for the stability of the global economy. The administration has framed the initiative as direct action against Iran’s attempts to weaponize the critical shipping lane.
“Any interference will be dealt with forcefully,” Trump said.
Iran’s government has shown a consistent pattern of making aggressive public claims that U.S. forces then flatly deny. Military analysts have noted that the IRGC-linked media apparatus routinely amplifies these claims for domestic consumption and to project strength abroad, regardless of their accuracy.
The United States has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports as part of the broader pressure campaign on Tehran. Iran’s economy, heavily dependent on oil exports, has faced intensifying strain under the campaign.
No U.S. casualties were reported. CENTCOM confirmed all ships and personnel involved in Project Freedom are operating as planned.
