Fact Check: Did Iran fire warning shots that forced US warships out of the Gulf of Oman?
TEHRAN, IRAN: Amid renewed tensions between the United States and Iran despite ongoing negotiations, a claim began circulating online that Iran fired warning shots at US warships, forcing them to retreat from the Gulf of Oman to the Indian Ocean. The allegation quickly gained traction on social media and in regional media reports.
The claim surfaced at a time when diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran remain fragile, with both sides exchanging accusations while discussing key issues related to sanctions and regional security. Here is a closer look at the claim and what official sources have said about it.
Claim: Iran says US destroyers withdrew after warning missiles
The claim emerged after the Islamic Republic on Friday stated that its military forced two US Navy destroyers to withdraw from the Gulf of Oman after launching what it described as “warning missiles” toward the vessels, according to Iranian state media reports.
According to a statement published by the state-run IRNA news agency, Iranian forces fired the missiles after accusing the United States of engaging in “maritime misconduct and harassment, as well as the hijacking of commercial vessels and oil tankers.” Tehran subsequently claimed that the American warships left the area following the incident.
Iranian officials presented the episode as evidence of the country's military readiness in regional waters, while state media highlighted the reported encounter amid continuing disagreements with Washington.
Fact Check: CENTCOM rejects Iran's account of Gulf of Oman incident
However, the US military swiftly disputed the claim. According to US Central Command (CENTCOM), the reported confrontation never occurred.
Responding to the Iranian allegation, CENTCOM wrote on X, “Iranian forces did NOT attack or fire at US Navy warships. Doing so would be a gross violation of the ceasefire."
“US forces continue to operate freely in regional waters while fully enforcing the ongoing blockade against Iran," the post added.
A day earlier, Iran had also claimed that its navy targeted a US military vessel serving as a “command and control centre” in the Sea of Oman as it approached Iranian territorial waters.
The US military similarly rejected that allegation, stating, “US military assets at sea continue to fly, sail, and operate safely and unimpeded."
Based on the conflicting statements, Iran asserted that its forces compelled the US vessels to withdraw, while CENTCOM denied that any attack, warning fire, or forced retreat took place.
Iran links negotiations to release of frozen assets
The claim surfaced as talks between Washington and Tehran reportedly faced fresh obstacles, with Iran seeking the release of approximately $24 billion in frozen assets before negotiations can move forward.
At the same time, President Donald Trump said discussions between the two countries were continuing and progressing positively.
Speaking to CNN on Friday, June 5, Mohsen Rezaei, a senior adviser to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said the release of the frozen funds remains a key condition for advancing negotiations.
Rezaei also warned that the United States would “enter into a dark corridor” if it resumed military action, underscoring the tensions that continue to surround the diplomatic process.
