Iran insists Hormuz is under its control & says it targeted & struck a US Navy vessel, which the Pentagon/Central Commandhas denied.

Trump announced Sunday US will'help free up' ships stuck in Hormuz Strait through Project Freedom.

Iran has in responseissued a "redefined the control zone"in Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan facilities good faith return of Iranian crew membersof US-seized merchant ship from two weeks ago.

Iran is claiming to have attacked and struck a US Navy vessel, announcing that it stopped US warships from entering the Strait of Hormuz "with a firm and swift warning" and noting that "additional news will be announced later" - a statement by state Tasnim News Agency said. Soon after, Fars news agency said thattwo missiles hit a US navy vessel near Jask islandafter it ignored warnings from the IRGC to halt. Jerusalem Post also picked up on the statement,writing:

The ship reportedly turned back after being hit. The report further noted that the missiles had been launched after the US "violated security protocols for transit and navigation near Jask with the intent to pass through the Strait of Hormuz."

However, soon after Axios stated that a "senior US official denies a US ship was hit by Iranian missiles."CENTCOM soon after said that no US navy ships have been struck, adding that US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports. It is the latest claimed major incident soon on the heels of President Trump the night prior announcing"Project Freedom"to"guide" stranded shipsout of the Strait of Hormuz.

But as we also noted, WSJ explained thatProject Freedom"is a process through which countries, insurance companies and shipping organizations can coordinate moving traffic through the Strait, according to a senior U.S. official.It doesn’t currently involve U.S. Navy warships escorting vessels through the strait, the official said."So a lot of confusion remains. UAE meanwhile chimes in with some verification of a strike on a LNG tanker:

🚨 LIVE IN THE STRAIT: The U.S. just launched "Project Freedom" to escort neutral commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, but the sanctioned tanker NOOH GAS (IMO 9034690) is currently attempting transit.Windward Multi-Source Intelligence is tracking NOOH GAS in…pic.twitter.com/zLgIzNsgUG

Trump had also said in his Monday Truth Social statement that he is "fully aware that my Representatives are having very positive discussions with the Country of Iran, and that these discussions could lead to something very positive for all."

Source: ZeroHedge News