Heme–HNO species are crucial intermediates in several biological processes. To date, no well-defined Fe heme–HNO model compounds have been reported. Hydride attack on the cationic ferric [(OEP)Fe(NO)(5-MeIm)]OTf (OEP = octaethylporphyrinato dianion) generates an Fe–HNO product that has been characterized by IR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Results of DFT calculations reveal a direct attack of the hydride on the N atom of the coordinated ferric nitrosyl.