Iran said it struck a US Navy vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, a claim swiftly denied by Washington, as Tehran simultaneously unveiled a new map asserting expanded control over key maritime zones in the strategic waterway.
Providing further details, Iranian media reported on Monday that two missiles hit the American warship near Jask Island in the country’s south after it ignored warnings to halt, according to the semi-official Fars news agency.
“The vessel, which had been sailing through the Strait of Hormuz today in violation of traffic and shipping security near Jask, was targeted by a missile attack after ignoring a warning from Iran’s Navy,” Fars said, citing local sources.
The vessel was unable to continue its route as a result of the attack and “was forced to turn back and flee the area,” the outlet said.
No details were given about the extent of damage or possible casualties.
The IRGC earlier warned that any vessels violating transit protocols issued by Tehran in the Strait of Hormuz “will be forcefully stopped.”
US denies Iranian missiles hit warship
A senior US official denied that Iranian missiles hit a US ship, Axios journalist Barak Ravid said on Monday.
The US and Israel launched strikes against Iran on February 28, triggering retaliation from Tehran against Israel, as well as US allies in the Gulf, along with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
