• Iran's navy fired warning shots at US destroyers in the Gulf of Oman after warning them to stay clear of Iranian waters, according to state media.
  • The incident underscores heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments.
  • Analysts warn that any sustained escalation could roil energy markets, with crude prices already showing volatility.

Iran’s navy opened fire with warning shots at US destroyers in the Gulf of Oman on Thursday, state media reported, citing the vessels’ activation of radar after they had approached the Strait of Hormuz while operating off-radar earlier. The Islamic Republic’s forces issued radio warnings before firing missiles, rockets, and drones, according to the account.

The Pentagon did not immediately confirm the Iranian version of events, and US officials have in the past disputed similar claims. A spokesperson for US Naval Forces Central Command said they were aware of the reports but had no further details, declining to comment on ongoing operations.

The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway between Iran and Oman, handles about 20% of the world’s oil supply. Military confrontations there have historically triggered price swings in crude markets. Following the news, Brent crude futures briefly rose above $82 a barrel before settling back, traders citing uncertainty over the incident’s veracity.

“We are closely monitoring the situation,” said a person familiar with the matter, adding that the US Navy routinely conducts operations in the region to ensure freedom of navigation. The US has maintained a persistent naval presence in the Gulf since the Iran-Iraq war in the 1980s, often leading to tense encounters.

Industry analysts say the risk of a miscalculation remains high. “Any direct engagement, even if unintentional, could escalate quickly,” said an analyst at a maritime security firm. “The real concern is whether this becomes a pattern or a one-off.”

Efforts to de-escalate have so far relied on backchannel communication between Tehran and Washington, often mediated by Gulf states. Without a clear deconfliction mechanism, both sides have occasionally resorted to warning shots and close maneuvers, according to former naval officers.

The incident comes as Iran and world powers remain deadlocked over nuclear negotiations, adding a layer of geopolitical complexity. Some experts see the show of force as a signal of Iran’s readiness to defend its territorial waters amid renewed sanctions pressure.

Oil markets have largely shrugged off similar incidents in the past, but traders are watching for any sign of sustained disruption. Shipping insurance premiums in the region have edged up in recent weeks, reflecting elevated risk.

Correction: An earlier version of this article misstated the type of warning shots. The Iran navy used a combination of missiles, rockets, and drones, not solely missiles.