The United States has denied a report by Iranian media on Monday that claimed the country struck an American naval vessel with missiles, according to Axios citing a senior official. The denial came as oil prices and stocks pared back some of their earlier movements.
Background of the Incident
Brent crude had jumped around 5% to over $113 a barrel and stocks fell after the Iranian news agency Fars reported a strike on a US frigate near the Gulf of Oman port of Jask. The report claimed the strike followed ignored warnings from Iran's navy, forcing the US boat to retreat. Shortly before, another Iranian agency, Tasnim, announced that the government had redefined the control zone in the Strait of Hormuz, effectively setting out maritime borders within which Tehran would regulate shipping traffic.
Trump's Humanitarian Gesture
The developments added to tensions just hours after President Donald Trump said the US would help ships stranded in the Persian Gulf transit the strait, describing it as a humanitarian gesture. The operation, dubbed Project Freedom, was set to begin on Monday with the US military pledging support, including the use of guided-missile destroyers, aircraft, and drones.
Trump wrote on social media late Sunday that the ship movement is meant to free up people, companies, and countries that have done nothing wrong. He warned that if this humanitarian process is interfered with, that interference will have to be dealt with forcefully. Trump noted that some stranded ships have large crews running out of food while waiting for safe passage.
Iran's Response
The plan has left shipping executives perplexed, with few details provided by the president. Iran's military, after Trump's announcement, had said US forces would be attacked if they entered the Strait of Hormuz, according to a statement carried by Iranian broadcaster Press TV. An enhanced security area has been established by the US to support transits, according to the Joint Maritime Information Center on Monday. JMIC, a multinational body analyzing security threats, advised vessels to consider crossing through Omani waters and warned of mines north of Omani waters.
Additional Attacks Reported
There were more reports of attacks on ships. A tanker reported being hit by projectiles roughly 80 miles north of the UAE port Fujairah on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. That came less than a day after a report of a bulk carrier being attacked by small boats.
Ongoing Impasse
Trump's announcement came amid an impasse between Iran and the US. A shaky ceasefire has been in place since April 7, with both sides struggling to agree to peace talks. Trump, in the same Truth Social post, mentioned ongoing discussions with Iranian authorities that could lead to something very positive for all.
