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Iran’s Revolutionary Corps dismissed U.S. claims that two American-flagged commercial ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, calling the reports "completely baseless."
In a statement carried by state television, Iranian officials stressed that no commercial vessels or oil tankers had moved through the strait in recent hours. They also warned that any ship breaching rules set by Iran’s naval forces could face serious consequences, including interception.
Tensions rose again around the key waterway as U.S. naval forces moved into the Gulf under a plan announced by President Donald Trump.
The initiative, dubbed "Project Freedom," aims to guide neutral vessels out of the region amid growing security risks, with more than 900 commercial ships reported in the Gulf as of late April.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that guided-missile destroyers had entered the Gulf and that two U.S-flagged merchant vessels had already departed as part of the operation. Washington described the move as a humanitarian effort to help stranded crews navigate restricted waters.
Iran, however, insisted that any transit through the strait must be coordinated with its forces under all conditions, signaling it does not recognize unilateral navigation efforts.
Iranian media earlier reported that its navy fired warning shots near U.S. warships after they ignored initial alerts. According to those reports, cruise missiles, rockets and drones were launched around the vessels.
Separately, Iranian outlets claimed a U.S. naval ship attempting to approach the strait had been detected after turning its radar back on. The vessel was warned it had violated a ceasefire, and Iranian forces fired projectiles nearby when it failed to respond.
CENTCOM rejected claims that the warship was struck by missiles.
Incidents have also been reported near the UAE, including attacks involving unidentified projectiles and drones targeting tankers linked to ADNOC.
CENTCOM later stated that it has advised commercial vessels to reroute through Oman’s territorial waters due to ongoing threats, including sea mines that have not been fully cleared.
Since the war began, the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade artery that typically carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply, has effectively been shut. Tensions remain high as the U.S. naval blockade on Iranian ports, in place since April 13, continues.
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