OAN Staff Jenna Lee and Sophia Flores
5:47 PM – Monday, May 4, 2026
The Pentagon has denied Iran’s claim that it struck a U.S. military vessel near the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stating that two U.S.-flagged ships safely transited the waterway despite reports that one had been hit.
Fars News Agency, which is aligned with Iran, reported that a U.S. warship was struck by two missiles and forced to turn back. However, CENTCOM quickly rejected the claim, saying two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels successfully transited the waterway under a significant defensive “umbrella” of American air and naval power.
“No U.S. Navy ships have been struck. U.S. forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports,” confirmed CENTCOM on X.
The claim came following a warning by Iranian officials that if the U.S. escorted and guided commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, they would violate the ceasefire.
“We have repeatedly stated that the security of the Strait of Hormuz is under the control of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and under all circumstances, any safe passage must be coordinated with the armed forces,” said a statement by the unified command of Iran’s armed forces.
The launch follows what President Donald Trump described as a “humanitarian” appeal, saying on Truth Social that neutral nations had requested assistance in freeing ships “locked up” in the conflict. “They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!” the president wrote, vowing to help crews running low on food and fuel.
“Countries from all over the World, almost all of which are not involved in the Middle Eastern dispute going on so visibly, and violently, for all to see, have asked the United States if we could help free up their Ships, which are locked up in the Strait of Hormuz, on something which they have absolutely nothing to do with — They are merely neutral and innocent bystanders!” the president said in a Truth Social post.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news alerts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
What do YOU think? Click here to jump to the comments!
Join the conversation!
Please share your thoughts about this article below. We value your opinions, and would love to see you add to the discussion!