Iranian forces unleashed a coordinated barrage of missiles, drones, and swarming small boats against three U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, May 7, U.S. Central Command said, triggering a sharp exchange that ended with American self-defense strikes on Iranian military sites.
The destroyers USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason continued their passage from the Persian Gulf toward the Gulf of Oman, according to CENTCOM. The command described the Iranian actions as unprovoked, adding that no U.S. vessels were hit.
Endless tension in the Strait of Hormuz
The assault marked the latest flare-up in weeks of tension over the narrow waterway, through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil trade normally passes. It came days after a similar, though less intense, attack on two of the same destroyers.
Iranian forces launched a series of missiles and drones, while fast-attack boats swarmed the American ships aggressively. U.S. forces intercepted the incoming threats and returned fire, destroying several small boats, officials said.
In response, American strikes targeted Iranian missile and drone launch sites, command-and-control centers, and intelligence nodes linked to the attack.
The incident transpired amid Washington’s “Project Freedom” effort to restore safe passage for commercial shipping trapped or deterred by Iranian threats and mines.
Trump wants the Strait of Hormuz to remain open
President Donald Trump has termed the operation a necessary response to Iran’s attempts to control the Strait of Hormuz, at one point warning Tehran of overwhelming force if attacks continued.
Trump pointed to the successful transit of the destroyers in a statement after the clash. “Our ships came through under fire with zero damage,” he said, adding that the Iranian attackers suffered heavy losses.
He used the incident to press Iran to finalize a wider agreement, saying failure to do so would invite far stronger American action.
“A normal Country would have allowed these Destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal Country. They are led by lunatics, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question.
“They’ll never have that opportunity, and, just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed,” Trump said.
Also Read: U.S. Military Hits Iran Ports at Qeshm and Bandar Abbas Amid Hormuz Tensions
There was no immediate official confirmation from Iran of the strikes on its soil. State-linked outlets have claimed such success against US vessels in similar encounters, which CENTCOM has been quick to deny.
Tensions have simmered since a fragile ceasefire took hold in the wider regional conflict, with both sides trading accusations over maritime freedom and security.
The Strait of Hormuz has long been a flashpoint, as its crucial importance means any disruption is felt instantly in global energy markets.
The layered U.S. defenses, combining shipboard systems, helicopters, and combat aircraft, proved effective once again.
The Arleigh Burke-class destroyers involved carry advanced Aegis combat systems designed for precisely this kind of multi-threat environment.
Also Read: CIA Assessment: Iran Can Withstand U.S. Strait of Hormuz Blockade for 3-4 Months
CENTCOM stressed that it does not seek escalation but remains prepared to protect American forces.
This is a point of keen interest to commercial shipping, as several vessels are at anchor or have been diverted while owners weigh the dangers of moving under U.S. protection or acquiescing to Iranian demands for permission and fees.
Trump’s temporary pause in escort operations earlier this week, aimed at giving diplomacy breathing room, appears to have done little to deter Iranian activity.
In the meantime, the Strait of Hormuz remains open but tense, with both sides signaling resolve.
