U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that as part of "Operation Liberty," two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz.
On May 4th, the Islamic Republic's army issued a statement claiming it had warned U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz area with radio warnings and firing warning shots after the U.S. vessels turned off their radars in the Sea of Oman. The statement added that Iran's navy later fired cruise missiles, rockets, and combat drones near the U.S. ships due to their continued disregard of the initial warnings.
According to Fars News, two vessels turned back in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran issued a warning to them.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a VHF message on December 15, 2025, to the U.S. Navy and all vessels, prohibiting transit through the Strait of Hormuz and threatening destruction to any vessel attempting to pass.
On Truth Social, former U.S. President Donald Trump posted an image asserting that the U.S. Navy, Air Force, and missile defense systems are fully operational, while those of the Islamic Republic are destroyed. The image also features a picture of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei with a red X mark and the word "dead" written beside it.
The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a radio warning to U.S. destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz for ceasefire violations. When the U.S. ships continued, Iranian forces responded with warning shots using cruise missiles and drones.
Iran claims it attacked an American Navy ship attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, while the United States denies the Iranian claim.
On December 15, 2025, the U.S. military conducted a significant operation around the Strait of Hormuz to ensure freedom of navigation. This development could rapidly escalate tensions in the region.
Scott Bennett announced that the United States is working to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has been disrupted by attacks from the Islamic Republic regime, and called on China to join the United States in this international operation.
The U.S. Air Force has deployed a significant number of refueling aircraft and fighter jets around the Strait of Hormuz, in response to escalating tensions in the region.
The IRGC has expanded its targeting to include all ships in the Strait of Hormuz and Dubai. A social media post calls for the elimination of every regime official and their deputies.
The Federation of Korean Seafarers’ Unions reported that a vessel from South Korea was struck by an attack from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz.
US military forces are currently operating in the Persian Gulf, located near the coast of Iran. There is tension due to the proximity of these forces to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
On January 12, 2026, a South Korean vessel was targeted by Iranian drones in the Strait of Hormuz. No casualties were reported.
On January 15, 2026, President Trump delivered a speech addressing the Islamic Republic of Iran, urging the regime to "end the adventure and win." The remarks were made during heightened regional tensions and the implementation of the Freedom Project in the Strait of Hormuz.
The IRGC Navy issued a VHF broadcast alert to vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on January 15, 2026, warning that any ship crossing without permission from the Islamic Republic of Iran will be targeted and destroyed.
U.S. Secretary of Security Scott Bessent stated that Iran is attempting to restrict international maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. is working to maintain freedom of navigation there, emphasizing the humanitarian importance beyond energy, including the transport of fertilizer and food.
Anwar Gargash, the diplomatic advisor to the UAE president, described Iran's actions as "ongoing aggression" and "acts of piracy" on X, following Abu Dhabi's accusation that Iran targeted an Emirati tanker in the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bennett told Fox News that the United States has full control of the Strait of Hormuz and will only respond with force if attacked first, emphasizing that it is an opportune time for international partners to increase pressure on the Islamic Republic.
On Monday, May 4, 2025, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers, after transiting the Strait of Hormuz, began operating in the Persian Gulf as part of "Operation Liberty," aimed at ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels. CENTCOM reported that two U.S.-flagged commercial vessels had successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran's IRGC Navy earlier threatened to prohibit such passages without permission.
