U.S. military denies Iran's claim it struck warship in Strait of Hormuz

Key Points:

• U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) denied Iranian state media claims that a U.S. warship was hit by missiles and forced to retreat while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, confirming no U.S. Navy ships were struck.
• CENTCOM stated that U.S. forces are supporting "Project Freedom," an operation to break Iran's de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and restore commercial shipping transit through this critical oil shipping route.
• Two U.S.-flagged merchant vessels have successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz under U.S. naval escort, contradicting Iranian reports that a U.S. frigate was attacked and forced to flee.
• Iran has blocked most tanker traffic through the strait since the war began on Feb. 28, causing a global energy supply shock and rising prices, while a shaky ceasefire and stalled peace talks persist.
• President Trump announced the operation on Truth Social, emphasizing the humanitarian intent to protect uninvolved countries' shipping but warning that interference would be met with force, potentially complicating diplomatic efforts.