Iranian state television reported today that the country's naval forces intercepted a US warship attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Fars News, an agency associated with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, cited local sources stating that two missiles struck the US warship near Jask island after the vessel ignored warnings from Iranian forces.

The United States has not yet commented on this information. The incident occurred after US President Donald Trump announced the launch of "Project Freedom" on 3/5, a campaign to guide merchant ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran had previously stated it would attack any US units entering the strait.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei released a statement today, asserting that "Americans should understand they cannot use language of threat and force against the Iranian people."

"The Islamic Republic of Iran has demonstrated that we are the protectors and guardians of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane," the spokesperson added.

According to Baqaei, Iran's priority at giai doan 1 is to end hostilities. "The other side needs to commit to a rational approach and abandon excessive demands on Iran," he added.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei. Photo: Iranian Foreign Ministry

Negotiations between the United States and Iran have stalled since the ceasefire took effect on 8/4. To date, only one round of direct talks has occurred between the two nations. A key sticking point is Iran's tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz since the conflict erupted on 28/2, while the United States has imposed a blockade on Tehran's ports.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson asserted that the Strait of Hormuz was once a "safe and secure route" for international transport before hostilities began. "The international community must hold the United States and Israel accountable for destabilizing this maritime route, which has led to widespread global consequences," he stated.

Baqaei further noted that Iran and Oman, a nation with a coastline south of the Strait of Hormuz, are continuing negotiations on managing this shipping lane. The two countries "share responsibility for ensuring the safety of maritime operations" in the strait.

Oman has not yet commented on this statement.

Location of the Strait of Hormuz. Graphic: Guardian

Before Trump announced the plan to guide merchant ships, spokesperson Baqaei indicated that Tehran had presented a 14-point proposal "focused on ending hostilities," and Washington had responded through intermediary Pakistan.

This proposal urged the United States and Iran to reach an agreement within 30 days, while also calling on both sides to focus on ending the conflict rather than extending the current ceasefire. In the document, Iran demanded the United States withdraw troops from the surrounding region, end its blockade of Iranian ports, and cease all conflict operations, including Israel's campaign in Lebanon.

Baqaei stated on 3/5 that the United States had conveyed its response to Iran's 14-point plan through Pakistan, and Iran is currently reviewing it. The content of the US response remains unknown.

Huyen Le (According to AFP, CNN)