From the Liveblog of
Sunday, April 12, 2026
IRGC navy warns US destroyer to turn back from Strait of Hormuz in video carried by Iranian media
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleEmanuel (Mannie) Fabian is The Times of Israel's military correspondent
A video published by Iranian state media shows the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy warning a US Navy missile destroyer to turn back after entering the Strait of Hormuz yesterday.
The US Central Command announced yesterday that two destroyers, USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. (DDG-121) and USS Michael Murphy (DDG-112), “transited the Strait of Hormuz and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the strait is fully clear of sea mines previously laid by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps.”
“Navy warship 121. This is Sepah (IRGC) Navy station. You must alter course and go back to the Indian Ocean immediately. If you don’t obey my order, you will be targeted,” an IRGC Navy serviceman is heard telling the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr.
A servicemember aboard USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. responds by saying that the ship is engaged in “transit passage in accordance with international law.”
The IRGC serviceman responds to the ship, saying he is issuing a “last warning.” The IRGC member also warns nearby ships to keep their distance from any warship in their vicinity, “because I’m ready to open fire on them without any warning.”
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Footage shows The U.S. destroyers fled the Strait of Hormuz after receiving a warning from Iran’s Navy, yesterday. pic.twitter.com/AyP3L7D06P— IRIB (Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting) (@iribnews_irib) April 12, 2026
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