Tensions in the Middle East escalated on Monday after Iranian media outlets reported that Iranian forces had launched missiles at a United States Navy warship near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic oil transit routes.

According to reports from Iranian state-linked media, including the Fars News Agency, the incident allegedly occurred near the port of Jask when a U.S. warship attempted to enter restricted waters without prior authorization.

Iranian sources claimed that at least two missiles were fired and that the vessel subsequently altered its course and withdrew from the area. Iranian military officials have in recent months issued repeated warnings that foreign naval forces operating in the Gulf region must comply with Tehran’s maritime rules, stressing that unauthorized entry into the Strait of Hormuz could be treated as a hostile act. However, the United States has strongly denied that any such attack took place.

U.S. Central Command stated that no American naval vessel was struck or damaged and described the Iranian reports as inaccurate. Washington maintains that its naval operations in the region continue as normal.

The conflicting accounts have further heightened already fragile tensions between Tehran and Washington, particularly in waters that are critical to global energy supplies. The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping lane through which a significant portion of the world’s oil passes, making it a frequent flashpoint in geopolitical disputes.

Following the reports, global markets reacted with caution, with oil prices experiencing upward pressure amid renewed concerns over potential disruptions to maritime trade routes in the Gulf.

As of press time, independent verification of the alleged missile strike has not been confirmed, and both sides continue to maintain opposing versions of the incident.