Sailors in Strait of Hormuz Deliver Bold Message to US Forces

WHO:

NY Post - U.S. forces, Iranian military, President Trump, sailors in the Strait of Hormuz

Alternet - U.S. Central Command, Council for Foreign Relations member, CNN's Jake Tapper

WHAT:

NY Post - U.S. forces radioed ships in the Strait of Hormuz to direct them toward the Omani section of the strait.

Alternet - A sailor responded to U.S. forces with a profane message telling them to "f—— off."

Alternet - Over 100 ships would typically transit the Strait of Hormuz daily, but that number has decreased to about a dozen.

Alternet - The Iranian military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and ramped up attacks on commercial ships.

Alternet - The Pentagon reported nearly a dozen seafarers dead, wounded, or missing due to recent attacks.

WHERE:

NY Post - Strait of Hormuz

Alternet - Omani section of the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian southern coast

WHEN:

NY Post - The American blockade on Iran's ports took effect on a Tuesday.

Alternet - President Trump made claims about the Strait of Hormuz being open earlier in the week.

Alternet - U.S. forces sent a message on a Tuesday morning regarding the safety of navigation in the strait.

WHY:

Alternet - President Trump claimed the Strait of Hormuz was open despite conflicting reports from the Iranian military.

Alternet - Ongoing attempts at diplomacy failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

HOW:

Alternet - U.S. forces communicated via radio to reassure ships about navigation safety.

Alternet - The military targeted missile, drone, and naval sites near the Strait of Hormuz following failed diplomatic efforts.

(UPDATED July 16, 2026 20:19 UTC)

Tensions are escalating in the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. forces have directed ships to the Omani section of the strait amid claims from President Trump that it remains open, despite the Iranian military declaring it closed and increasing attacks on commercial vessels. A sailor's response to U.S. forces included a profane message, while the Pentagon reported nearly a dozen seafarers dead, wounded, or missing due to recent hostilities, with typical daily ship traffic dropping from over 100 to about a dozen. Following failed diplomatic efforts, U.S. forces have targeted missile, drone, and naval sites in the region to ensure navigation safety.