Two conflicting accounts of the same encounter are now emerging from the Strait of Hormuz. Iran claims it forced US warships to retreat with a blunt military warning. The United States says its two warships carried out their mission without interference.
The episode, captured in footage aired by Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB, claimed to show a radio exchange between Iranian naval forces and a US Navy destroyer. The visuals and audio point to a tense exchange at sea, where repeated warnings were issued over open radio channels.
According to Iranian state media, the IRGC Navy issued a direct warning to a US missile destroyer that had entered the Strait of Hormuz, ordering it to immediately alter course. “Navy warship 121. This is Sepah (IRGC) Navy station. You must alter course and go back to the Indian Ocean immediately. If you don’t obey my order, you will be targeted,” an IRGC serviceman is heard saying in the clip.
In the audio shared by Iran, the US vessel is heard responding firmly but cautiously, stating that it was operating within the framework of international law.
“Engage in transit Passage in accordance with international law. No challenge is intended to you, and I intend to abide by rules of our government’s ceasefire,” the US servicemember said. Despite the exchange, US officials have not indicated any retreat or deviation from their operational objectives.
Iranian outlets further reported that the warning extended beyond a single vessel, with broader alerts issued to all ships in the Gulf of Oman. The IRGC cautioned vessels to maintain distance from US warships, warning of potential engagement without further notice.
“Attention all vessels. Attention all vessels. Attention all vessels in Oman Sea. This is Iranian Sepah Navy. If you see any warship in your vicinity, keep a distance more than 10 miles from them because I am ready to open fire on them without any warning,” the broadcast said.
IRGC ISSUES FINAL ULTIMATUM AT SEA
The exchange did not end with a single warning. Iranian forces are heard escalating their tone, issuing repeated ultimatums. “You must alter course and go back to the Indian Ocean immediately. If you don’t obey my order, you will be targeted. Out,” the IRGC said, followed by a final transmission: “Last warning. Last warning. Last warning.”
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have since warned that any military vessel approaching the strait would be treated as a violation of the ceasefire.
US SAYS TWO WARSHIPS CROSSED HORMUZ
The US Navy, however, has presented a sharply different account of the same incident. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), two destroyers — USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112) — successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Arabian Gulf as part of ongoing mine-clearing operations.
CENTCOM said the mission was aimed at ensuring safe passage through the strait, which remains a critical artery for global oil shipments. The US also confirmed that additional assets, including underwater drones, are expected to join the operation in the coming days.
The incident comes at a time of boiling tensions after US-Iran talks failed to produce an agreement. Hours later, Donald Trump announced plans to impose a blockade on ships attempting to enter or leave the Strait of Hormuz.
