Iranian media said on May 4 that an American naval frigate was struck by missiles near the Gulf of Oman port of Jask after ignoring Iranian naval warnings, but US officials denied the claim and said no US Navy ship was hit near the Strait of Hormuz. [1, 2]
US Central Command said: "no US Navy ships have been struck" and said US forces were continuing to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports. [2]
The denial came as tensions stayed high around the waterway. Donald Trump announced a plan backed by 15,000 personnel and more than 100 aircraft to guide stranded ships through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran rejected the plan and warned it would attack any foreign military force that tried to approach or enter the strait. [2]
Separate shipping unrest was reported on May 4 evening when an explosion and fire broke out on the South Korea-run cargo ship HMM Namu, anchored near the UAE inside the Strait of Hormuz. No casualties were reported among the 24 crew members aboard the ship, which is almost 180 metres long. [2]
Elsewhere, Hezbollah forces clashed with Israeli soldiers near the south Lebanon border despite an April 17 ceasefire. [2]
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is due to visit Rome and the Vatican from May 6 to May 8 for diplomatic talks. [2]
