The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that American naval forces operating in the Strait of Hormuz blocked what it described as “unprovoked” Iranian attacks and responded with strikes carried out in self-defense. In a statement detailing the confrontation, CENTCOM said the incident occurred while US Navy guided-missile destroyers were transiting through international waters on May 7 from the Strait of Hormuz into the Gulf of Oman. According to the statement, US forces intercepted Iranian missile launches, drone operations and attacks involving small boats targeting the naval group.
NO US ASSETS WERE HIT
CENTCOM stated that the destroyers USS Truxtun (DDG 103), USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) and USS Mason (DDG 87) came under attack while passing through international waters. The statement noted that Iran launched multiple missiles, unmanned aerial vehicles and small boat assaults against the vessels, adding that none of the US naval assets sustained damage or casualties during the incident.
‘WE DO NOT SEEK ESCALATION’
The US military said it responded within the framework of legitimate self-defense by striking Iranian military infrastructure linked to the attacks. CENTCOM confirmed that missile and drone launch sites, command-and-control centers, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance positions associated with Iranian operations were targeted. The command stressed that it was not seeking further escalation but remained fully prepared to defend American personnel and forces in the region.
US President Donald Trump also commented on the confrontation through his social media account, stating that three American destroyers successfully completed their transit through the Strait of Hormuz while under fire. Trump said the vessels suffered no damage and claimed that Iranian attackers sustained heavy losses. He further stated that Iranian naval boats were sunk and incoming missiles and drones were intercepted and destroyed during the exchange.
Reiterating Washington’s opposition to Iran obtaining nuclear weapons, Trump described Iran as a country “run by radicals” and warned that the United States would respond with even stronger military force if Tehran failed to quickly sign an agreement. He added that the destroyers would now rejoin what he called a “Steel Wall” maritime blockade operation in the region.