US denies Iranian report warship was struck by missiles

The United States has denied an Iranian media report that a U.S. Navy warship was struck by missiles in the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Central Command stating no ships were hit as it enforces a blockade on Iranian ports [1]. The denial from U.S. Central Command (Centcom) followed a report from Iran's semi-official Fars news agency claiming two missiles hit a U.S. Navy boat that ignored a warning from the Iranian Navy [1]. Earlier, Iran's military had warned it would attack any foreign forces entering the strait, "especially, the aggressive U.S. army" [1]. A senior Iranian official told Reuters a warning shot was fired against a U.S. warship, though damage was unclear [1]. Amid these tensions, the U.S. announced the start of "Project Freedom," an operation to assist merchant ships stranded by Iran's closure of the vital waterway [1]. Centcom stated the operation involves some 15,000 U.S. service personnel, guided-missile destroyers, and more than 100 aircraft [1]. The strait is a crucial chokepoint, with about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas normally passing through it [1]. The developments occur during a temporary ceasefire that began on April 8, though a senior Iranian official warned any U.S. attempt to interfere in the strait would be considered a ceasefire violation [1]. Centcom later reported two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels had "successfully transited" the strait [1]. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Transportation Operation reported a tanker was hit by an "unknown projectile" in the strait on Sunday, with the crew safe [1]. U.S. President Donald Trump described Project Freedom as a "humanitarian gesture" and said any interference would "be dealt with forcefully" [1]. He also stated U.S. representatives were having "very positive" discussions with Iran [1]. The closure has left thousands of sailors stranded on an estimated 2,000 ships, raising concerns over supplies and crew welfare [1].