Iran Fires Missiles at US Warship in Strait of Hormuz, Washington Denies Incident

Key facts

• a US warship was hit by two missiles near the port of Jask on Monday.
• The US military denied any vessel was struck, stating two destroyers crossed the strait and are operating in the Gulf.
• Major General Ali Abdollahi warned US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz.
• The UAE said its air defenses intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, 3 cruise missiles, and 4 drones from Iran, resulting in three moderate injuries.
• US Central Command said it eliminated six Iranian boats attempting to interfere with commercial shipping.
• President Trump warned Iran would be 'blown off the face of the earth' if it targets US ships.
• Stock markets fell and oil prices rose on Monday amid fears of prolonged conflict.
• A near-total internet shutdown affecting over 90 million Iranians continues in its 10th week.

Missile Strike and Denials

a United States warship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz was struck by two missiles after ignoring warnings. The unnamed vessel was forced to withdraw from near the Iranian port of Jask and flee, according to the Fars News Agency, which is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The US military swiftly denied the claim, stating in a social media post that no vessel had been hit. US Central Command later confirmed that two destroyers had crossed the strait and were operating in the Gulf. The IRGC subsequently toned down its initial reports, describing the actions as warning shots.

Escalation Under Project Freedom

The confrontation came less than a day after President Donald Trump announced 'Project Freedom,' an initiative to guide vessels stranded by Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump declared on Truth Social that interference would be dealt with forcefully, and later warned Iran in a Fox News interview that it would be 'blown off the face of the earth' if it targeted US ships protecting commercial vessels. Iran's joint military command, led by Major General Ali Abdollahi, responded by stating that any foreign armed forces, especially the US military, approaching or entering the strait would be targeted. The IRGC reiterated that it would maintain and manage security of the waterway with all strength.

Attacks on the UAE and US Retaliation

Iran launched missile attacks and drones targeting the country. The UAE Defence Ministry stated that its air defenses intercepted 12 ballistic missiles, three cruise missiles, and four drones, resulting in three moderate injuries. The ministry noted that sounds heard across the country were from interception efforts. In response, US Central Command said it eliminated six small Iranian boats attempting to interfere with commercial shipping. Tehran's state media denied that its boats had been sunk. Reports also emerged of merchant ships being struck and drones targeting the UAE, a key US ally.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The hostilities imperil a ceasefire between the US and Iran that began on April 8, nearly a month after the war started on February 28. Despite the escalation, Trump avoided stating that the ceasefire had been violated.peaking with the president. Iranian authorities are reviewing the latest text from Washington relayed through Pakistan, but urged a more realistic approach from Trump. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran will speak about nothing except for the full end to the war at this stage.

Domestic Mobilization and Internet Shutdown

Iranian authorities are mobilizing supporters through a campaign called 'Jan Fadaa,' meaning a person prepared to sacrifice their life for the cause. Volunteers can register via a state-run website using only a phone number, with no national ID required. Armed, state-backed motorcades roam Tehran and other cities at night, and government supporters hold demonstrations in major squares. A near-total internet shutdown affecting more than 90 million Iranians continues in its 10th week, imposed due to security considerations. Authorities have said the measures will remain until the end of the war. Meanwhile, Iran is trying to reconstitute its missile and drone capabilities, including by digging up bombed entrances to underground bases.

Economic Fallout and Global Stakes

Stock market indices closed sharply lower and oil prices rose on Monday, as investors feared the war's impact on the global economy could be exacerbated or prolonged. Trump claimed in a Truth Social post that a South Korean cargo ship had come under fire from Iran, suggesting South Korea should join the mission. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for global oil shipments, and any prolonged disruption could have severe economic consequences. The situation remains fluid, with reports of drones and missiles continuing to emerge.

The bottom line

• Iran and the US are engaged in direct military confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz, with both sides reporting attacks and denials.
• The ceasefire between the US and Iran is at risk of collapse, as hostilities escalate less than a month after it began.
• The UAE has been targeted by Iranian missiles and drones, with its air defenses intercepting multiple projectiles.
• President Trump has issued severe warnings to Iran, including threats of annihilation, while avoiding declaring the ceasefire broken.
• Iran is domestically mobilizing support through a sacrifice campaign and maintaining a strict internet shutdown.
• Global markets reacted negatively, with stock indices falling and oil prices rising amid fears of prolonged conflict.