US-Iran Tensions Escalate as Missile Strike Claims Surface in Hormuz

US-Iran tensions reached new heights Monday after conflicting reports emerged over missile strikes in the Strait of Hormuz. This coincided with the launch of the US-led “Project Freedom.”

Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency reported that two missiles struck a US Navy vessel near Jask Island. According to the report, the ship allegedly ignored warnings from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The IRGC claimed that the US ship violated Iranian navigation rules. As a result, they said this prompted the strike.

However, US Central Command (CENTCOM) categorically denied the missile strike. A senior US official called the reports “fabricated.” CENTCOM confirmed that “Project Freedom,” which includes 15,000 personnel and over 100 aircraft, had commenced as planned. Moreover, the operation aims to assist stranded commercial vessels through the Strait.

#BREAKING Iranian media (Fars/IRGC) claims two missiles struck a U.S. military ship near Jask Island after it allegedly ignored warnings near the Strait of Hormuz.
Direct hit reported on U.S. forces.
Oil spiked with Brent pushing above $110.
Tensions escalating fast. Markets on… pic.twitter.com/m4krBI2aDo

— EMPR.media (@EuromaidanPR) May 4, 2026

Iran’s armed forces said they must coordinate safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz with ships. Additionally, they warned they could target any U.S. combat vessels that approach without permission.

Simultaneously, a separate incident unfolded with the UAE condemning a drone attack on a vessel belonging to the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC). They labelled it an “act of piracy.”

US President Donald Trump, who had authorised “Project Freedom,” described it as an operation aimed at ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait. He also stated that the US was ready to respond forcefully if necessary.

Read: Project Freedom Hormuz Mission Starts Amid Iran Warning

Pakistan, acting as a mediator, confirmed that authorities evacuated 22 crew members from the Iranian container vessel MV Touska. U.S. forces had seized the ship in the Strait. The crew members were evacuated to Pakistan as part of a confidence-building measure.

The escalating tension has raised concerns over the potential for further military clashes. As a result, the UK Maritime Trade Operations raised the threat level in the Strait to “critical.”