Iran: Trump on brink as 'explosion and fire' rocks cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz
Iran: Trump on brink as 'explosion and fire' rocks cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz Tensions have escalated during the Iran war following attacks and blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Share Article Share Article Facebook X LinkedIn Reddit Bluesky Email Copy Link Link copied Bookmark Add us as preferred source Comments live By Antonio Scancariello , News Reporter, Catherine Mackinlay , News Reporter 23:02, Mon, May 4, 2026 Updated: 23:02, Mon, May 4, 2026 Donald Trump made the announcement on Truth Social on Sunday (Image: Getty) An explosion and fire have rocked a South Korean cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, Seoul's Foreign Ministry has said. The cause of the reported blast is not clear. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT It comes as The Iranian military has reportedly claimed it has hit a US Navy vessel with two missiles as the US Navy frigate was sailing through Strait of Hormuz near Jask. The alleged attack came after the US vessel ignored warnings from the Revolutionary Guard to halt, according to Iranian state media. These claims were rejected by a senior US official. Iran had issued a chilling war threat after Donald Trump said 'Project Freedom' will begin today in a move that will see the US escort ships out of the Strait Hormuz. FOLLOW BELOW FOR THE LATEST UPDATES: Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Read next KEY EVENTS White House locked down after 'officer-involved shooting nearby 22:15 Trump warns Iran “they’ll be blown off the face of the earth 20:01 South Korea probes possible attack on Korean-flagged ship 15:34 US Central Command denies Iranian reports of navy being struck 12:15 US official denies ship was hit 11:46 'Missiles struck US frigate' 11:13 Iran prevents US destroyer from entering strait 11:09 UKMTO warns of 'critical' threat 10:14 Iran to attack armed forces if they attempt to enter the strait 08:30 2 months ago 23:02 Catherine Mackinlay Live coverage to end Our live coverageof today's even in relation to the US Iran war will now end. Please check the site tomorrow for any more updates. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 2 months ago 22:15 Catherine Mackinlay White House locked down after 'officer-involved shooting nearby A security incident unfolded near the White House on Monday after an officer-involved shooting was reported a short distance away near the Washington Monument. According to the United States Secret Service, one individual was shot by law enforcement, with their condition still unclear. The White House was briefly locked down, and journalists were moved inside as a precaution, while emergency services responded at the scene. President Donald Trump remained inside the building, where events continued despite the disruption. Authorities say the situation is now contained, but investigations are ongoing. U.S. Secret Service personnel are on the scene of an officer-involved shooting at 15th Street and Independence Avenue in Washington, D.C. One individual was shot by law enforcement; their condition is currently unknown. Please avoid the area as emergency crews are responding. pic.twitter.com/LNUTL2F3gM \u2014 U.S. Secret Service Office of Communications (@SecretSvcSpox) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 20:01 Catherine Mackinlay Trump warns Iran “they’ll be blown off the face of the earth Donald Trump has issued a fresh warning to Iran, saying any attack on US vessels involved in “Project Freedom” would trigger a devastating response. “Project Freedom” is a US-led mission aimed at escorting and protecting commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to reporter Trey Yingst, he warned Tehran would face extreme consequences if American ships were targeted, adding “they’ll be blown off the face of the earth." President Trump issues a new warning to Iran if they attack U.S. vessels implementing "Project Freedom." \u201cThey\u2019ll be blown off the face of the earth," he told me. pic.twitter.com/2hhK6pUPCH \u2014 Trey Yingst (@TreyYingst) May 4, 2026 Get the latest news from around the world and more Subscribe Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy 2 months ago 18:50 Catherine Mackinlay US struck 7 Iranian boats as Trump invited South Korea to join war Speaking on Truth Social, President Donald Trump has said US forces have destroyed seven small Iranian boats, describing them as “fast boats”, and said there had been no further damage to ships transiting the strait beyond the reported South Korean vessel. He said: "Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship. Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission!" He confirmed a news conference will take place tomorrow morning. 2 months ago 17:43 Catherine Mackinlay UAE intercepting missiles and drones The UAE's Ministry of Defence has confirmed it is intercepting missiles and drones. "The UAE's air defenses are currently dealing with missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran, and the Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones." 2 months ago 15:59 Catherine Mackinlay Iran dismisses US claims of ships passing through Hormuz as ‘baseless’ Iran has insisted that no commercial ships or oil tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz in recent hours. A spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said "The claims of American officials are baseless and utterly false, and other maritime activities contrary to the declared principles of the IRGC Navy will face serious risks, and violating vessels will be powerfully stopped." \u0647\u06cc\u0686\u06af\u0648\u0646\u0647 \u0634\u0646\u0627\u0648\u0631 \u062a\u062c\u0627\u0631\u06cc \u0648 \u0646\u0641\u062a\u06a9\u0634 \u062f\u0631 \u0633\u0627\u0639\u0627\u062a \u06af\u0630\u0634\u062a\u0647 \u0627\u0632 \u062a\u0646\u06af\u0647 \u0647\u0631\u0645\u0632 \u0639\u0628\u0648\u0631 \u0646\u06a9\u0631\u062f\u0647 \u0627\u0633\u062a \u0631\u0648\u0627\u0628\u0637 \u0639\u0645\u0648\u0645\u06cc \u0633\u067e\u0627\u0647: \u0627\u062f\u0639\u0627\u0647\u0627\u06cc \u0645\u0642\u0627\u0645\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0645\u0631\u06cc\u06a9\u0627\u06cc\u06cc \u0628\u06cc\u200c\u0627\u0633\u0627\u0633 \u0648 \u06a9\u0630\u0628 \u0645\u062d\u0636 \u0627\u0633\u062a \u0648 \u0633\u0627\u06cc\u0631 \u062a\u062d\u0631\u06a9\u0627\u062a \u062f\u0631\u06cc\u0627\u06cc\u06cc \u0645\u063a\u0627\u06cc\u0631 \u0628\u0627 \u0627\u0635\u0648\u0644 \u0627\u0639\u0644\u0627\u0645\u06cc \u0646\u06cc\u0631\u0648\u06cc \u062f\u0631\u06cc\u0627\u06cc\u06cc \u0633\u067e\u0627\u0647 \u0628\u0627 \u0645\u062e\u0627\u0637\u0631\u0627\u062a \u062c\u062f\u06cc \u0645\u0648\u0627\u062c\u0647 \u0648 \u0634\u0646\u0627\u0648\u0631\u0647\u0627\u06cc \u0645\u062a\u062e\u0644\u0641 \u0628\u0627 \u0642\u062f\u0631\u062a \u0645\u062a\u0648\u0642\u0641 \u062e\u0648\u0627\u0647\u0646\u062f \u0634\u062f — \u062e\u0628\u0631\u06af\u0632\u0627\u0631\u06cc \u062a\u0633\u0646\u06cc\u0645 - \u062e\u0628\u0631 \u0641\u0648\u0631\u06cc (@Tasnimbrk) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 15:49 Catherine Mackinlay Korean media claim South Korean vessel was attacked Korean outlet Chosun Daily claims a vessel sailing in the region was attacked on Monday, quoting a government official. Authorities in Seoul are understood to be checking the reports, with no confirmed details yet on the extent of any damage. A South Korean ship sailing near the Strait of Hormuz was attacked on Monday, according to the Korean media outlet Chosun Daily, citing a government official. https://t.co/BlN70HS0nX \u2014 The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) May 4, 2026 Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 2 months ago 15:41 Catherine Mackinlay Two Navy guided-missile destroyers entered the Gulf The United States military confirmed that two Navy guided-missile destroyers had entered the Gulf as part of efforts to counter an Iranian blockade. It also confirmed that two American vessels have passed through the Strait of Hormuz, despite Iran claiming it had blocked a US warship from entering the area. US Navy guided-missile destroyers are among the assets executing a blockade mission (Image: CENTCOM / SWNS) 2 months ago 15:34 Catherine Mackinlay South Korea probes possible attack on Korean-flagged ship South Korea is investigating reports that a vessel flying its flag may have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Yonhap News Agency. A spokesperson for shipping firm HMM said a fire broke out in the engine room of one of its bulk carriers while it was in the strategic waterway. The cause of the blaze remains under investigation. No injuries or casualties have been reported. 2 months ago 14:43 Antonio Scancariello Missile alert in UAE A missile alert has been issued in United Arab Emirates for the first time since the US-Iran ceasefire came into effect, Al-Jazeera reported. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 2 months ago 13:32 Antonio Scancariello Iranian reports still claim US ships were hit Semi-official Iranian agency Tasnim has relaunched claims Iran "has already launched initial fire against a number of US military vessels". A senior US official, however, and the US Central Command, said no US ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz. Cargo ships in the Strait of Hormuz. (Image: AP) 2 months ago 13:26 Antonio Scancariello US guided-missile destroyers operating in the Gulf Here is another message issued by the US Central Command, saying two US-flagged merchant vessels have successfully transited through the strait. U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers are currently operating in the Arabian Gulf after transiting the Strait of Hormuz in support of Project Freedom. American forces are actively assisting efforts to restore transit for commercial shipping. As a first step, 2 U.S.-flagged merchant\u2026 pic.twitter.com/SVDxDhK72I \u2014 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 12:53 Antonio Scancariello UAE said its tanker has been hit in the strait The United Arab Emirates said a tanker affiliated with Adnoc, its state-owned oil company, has been hit in the Strait of Hormuz, as they announced with a post on X. \u0627\u0644\u0625\u0645\u0627\u0631\u0627\u062a \u062a\u064f\u062f\u064a\u0646 \u0628\u0623\u0634\u062f \u0627\u0644\u0639\u0628\u0627\u0631\u0627\u062a \u0627\u0633\u062a\u0647\u062f\u0627\u0641 \u0646\u0627\u0642\u0644\u0629 \u0648\u0637\u0646\u064a\u0629 \u062a\u0627\u0628\u0639\u0629 \u0644\u0623\u062f\u0646\u0648\u0643 \u0623\u062b\u0646\u0627\u0621 \u0645\u0631\u0648\u0631\u0647\u0627 \u0645\u0646 \u0645\u0636\u064a\u0642 \u0647\u0631\u0645\u0632 pic.twitter.com/tG7IH0JDUK — MoFA \u0648\u0632\u0627\u0631\u0629 \u0627\u0644\u062e\u0627\u0631\u062c\u064a\u0629 (@mofauae) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 12:52 Antonio Scancariello CENTCOM commander flew over Strait of Hormuz The CENTCOM commander flew over regional waters in and near the Strait of Hormuz. Adm. Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, flew over regional waters in and near the Strait of Hormuz in an AH-64 Apache helicopter, May 3, on the eve of U.S. military support for Project Freedom. He interacted with U.S. Army Soldiers after visiting with Sailors and Marines on Saturday\u2026 pic.twitter.com/NEc9YCFBPB \u2014 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 12:15 Antonio Scancariello US Central Command denies Iranian reports of navy being struck No US Navy ships have been struck, according to the US Central Command. \ud83d\udeab CLAIM: Iranian state media claims that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hit a U.S. warship with two missiles. \u2705 TRUTH: No U.S. Navy ships have been struck. U.S. forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports. pic.twitter.com/VFxovxLU6G \u2014 U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 11:53 Antonio Scancariello What we know so far The Iranian military has claimed it has hit a US Navy vessel with two missiles, Fars agency said, as The US frigate was sailing through Strait of Hormuz near Jask. These claims were rejected by a senior US official, according to an Axios correspondent. The alleged attack came after the US vessel ignored warnings from the Revolutionary Guard to halt. According to Fars, Iran blocked a US destroyer that was trying enter the Strait of Hormuz. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 2 months ago 11:46 Antonio Scancariello US official denies ship was hit According to global affairs correspondent for Axios and CNN analyst Barak Ravid, a senior US official has denied a ship was hit, after claims published by an Iranian state agency. Senior U.S. official denies a U.S. ship was hit by Iranian missiles \u2014 Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) May 4, 2026 2 months ago 11:38 Antonio Scancariello IRGC declares new maritime control Semi-official Tasnim agency also said "the IRGC said it has declared a new maritime control area in the strategic Strait of Hormuz". It said: "The new zone of 'smart control' by the Armed Forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran in the Strait of Hormuz is defined as follows. "In the south: the line between Mount Mobarak in Iran and south of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates; In the west: the line between the end of Qeshm Island in Iran and Umm Al Quwain in the United Arab Emirates." Vessels entering the strait. (Image: Getty) 2 months ago 11:32 Antonio Scancariello Iranian attack comes after Trump's 'Project Freedom' announcement Iranian claims of an attack in the strait comes after Mr Trump's 'Project Freedom' announcement. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT 2 months ago 11:28 Antonio Scancariello 'US vessel hit with two missiles' Iran’s Fars news agency said two missiles hit a US navy vessel. According to Al-Jazeera, it ignored warnings from the Revolutionary Guard to halt. 2 months ago