The U.S. military is denying Iranian claims that it struck a Navy ship in the Middle East as President Trump launches a program to help vessels stuck in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian state media said Monday the military struck the Navy vessel southeast of the strait for “violating maritime security and navigation norms.”
The U.S. Central Command said no such thing occurred.
“TRUTH: No U.S. Navy ships have been struck. U.S. forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports,” the command wrote on X.
However, the United Arab Emirates said Iranian drones attacked one of its carriers as it transited the Strait of Hormuz.
The Gulf nation’s foreign ministry accused Iran of “acts of piracy” and said its chokehold on the strait is destabilizing the region.
The reports showed early signs of friction between the nations upon the launch of Project Freedom. Mr. Trump launched the initiative early Monday to free the crews trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran is controlling traffic to gain leverage in the war against the U.S. and Israel.
Mr. Trump said late Sunday that U.S. forces would help ships get through the strait. The military will help crews avoid mines and other dangers and respond forcefully if Iranian forces try to intervene.
In a positive sign for Mr. Trump’s operation, the Central Command said two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels “successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz and are safely headed on their journey.”
The operation could reduce Tehran’s leverage in the conflict by taking away its control of the strait, a critical waterway that carries about a fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Yet it could result in renewed fighting that breaks a fragile ceasefire in the region.
SEE ALSO: Who will blink? Iran war alters oil, arms, allies in Gulf region
Mr. Trump has rejected Iran’s proposals for ending the war, saying it does not meet his terms.
The president says his main goal is to prevent Iran from getting a nuclear weapon.
• Tom Howell Jr. can be reached at thowell@washingtontimes.com.
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