Iran says it fires missiles at US warship in Strait of Hormuz
Updated
Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 4
Iran says it fires missiles at US warship in Strait of Hormuz
17 articles · Updated · Al Jazeera English · May 4
Iranian media said two missiles struck an unnamed vessel near Jask on Monday, forcing it to withdraw, while the US military denied any ship had been hit.
The claim came hours after Major General Ali Abdollahi warned US forces would be attacked if they entered the strait after Donald Trump said Washington would guide stranded vessels.
The incident adds to tensions during ceasefire-era negotiations relayed through Pakistan, as Tehran insists any talks require a full end to the war and keeps domestic mobilisation and internet restrictions in place.
With its main navy destroyed, how is Iran still controlling the world’s most critical oil chokepoint?
Is the U.S. risking a global recession to challenge Iran's chokehold on nearly a quarter of the world's oil?
May 4, 2026 Incident and Project Freedom: Escalating US-Iran Crisis in the Strait of Hormuz
Overview
In May 2026, rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz escalated when Iran claimed to have attacked a US Navy vessel following the US announcement of Project Freedom, a mission to escort commercial ships through the strait. The US denied any attack occurred. Iran's blockade of the strait, met by a US counter-blockade, effectively closed this vital shipping route, causing global oil and food prices to surge and stranding thousands of seafarers. Shipping companies rerouted vessels, increasing freight costs and disrupting supply chains. In response, Japan released oil reserves and nations adopted energy measures. Meanwhile, Iran's asymmetric warfare tactics prompted the US and Gulf partners to develop alternative export routes to reduce dependence on the strait, highlighting the crisis's broad economic and geopolitical impact.