The United States military has confirmed it carried out self-defence strikes against Iranian military facilities after three Navy destroyers came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), Iranian forces launched missiles, drones, and swarms of fast-attack boats at the USS Truxtun, USS Mason, and USS Rafael Peralta. Notably, the American warships successfully intercepted the attacks, preventing damage or casualties, demonstrating a robust defensive response.
In response, U.S. forces struck Iranian military infrastructure, including missile and drone launch sites, command centres, and surveillance facilities located near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. CENTCOM described the action as “limited, proportional, and necessary to protect U.S. forces.”
Meanwhile, Iran’s state media reported that its armed forces exchanged fire with “the enemy” on Qeshm Island, accusing Washington of violating the ceasefire agreement. Tehran claimed civilian areas were also hit, though the U.S. has denied this.
The incident comes as mediators from Pakistan and Qatar attempt to broker a deal between Washington and Tehran to ease tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides insist they remain committed to negotiations, but repeated clashes have raised doubts about the ceasefire’s durability.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz by U.S. and Iranian forces, which intensified following the recent confrontations, has disrupted nearly 20% of the world’s oil trade. This escalation has caused global oil prices to surge, with Brent crude trading near $100 per barrel and increasing concerns about prolonged disruption.
President Donald Trump described the strikes as “a love tap” and stated that the U.S. would respond more strongly if Iran rejected the proposed deal.
Regional tensions continue, with Hezbollah increasing attacks on Israeli positions in Lebanon, prompting concerns about a broader Middle East conflict.
