Tehran claims strikes on American destroyers while Washington says it intercepted attacks and hit back with self-defence strikes.
Iranian forces launched missiles, drones and fast-attack boats at three US Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, in one of the most serious naval confrontations in the strategic waterway since the outbreak of the 2026 Iran-US conflict.
The incident occurred as the destroyers USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta and USS Mason attempted to pass through the narrow chokepoint, through which roughly 20 percent of the world’s oil supply flows.
US-Iran Naval Clash Escalates in Strait of Hormuz:
Iranian state media and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that their forces carried out a “precise and extensive” operation targeting the American vessels, describing it as a response to what Tehran calls repeated US provocations and violations of a fragile ceasefire.
US Central Command (CENTCOM), however, described the Iranian actions as “unprovoked attacks” involving multiple missiles, drones and swarms of small boats. It said all threats were successfully intercepted, with no damage sustained by the US warships. In retaliation, US forces conducted self-defence strikes on Iranian military facilities involved in the assault.
Apache helicopters were reportedly used to neutralise several Iranian fast-attack boats during the exchange.
Tensions Rise in US-Iran Strait of Hormuz Standoff:
The clash comes amid ongoing efforts to maintain a tenuous ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump has downplayed the incident, insisting the ceasefire remains in effect while describing the US Navy’s transit as successful.
The confrontation is linked to Washington’s “Project Freedom” initiative aimed at ensuring safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has strongly opposed.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most volatile flashpoints in the region. Any sustained disruption to shipping through the waterway could send global oil prices soaring and further destabilise an already tense Middle East.
Both sides have accused the other of undermining peace efforts. Iran has repeatedly warned that it will respond forcefully to what it views as US aggression in its backyard, while the United States maintains its right to freedom of navigation and protection of its forces.