U.S. Navy Destroyers Repel Intensified Iranian Assault in Strait of Hormuz

Three U.S. Navy destroyers—USS Truxtun, USS Mason, and USS Rafael Peralta—came under a sustained attack by Iranian forces while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. The assault involved missiles, drones, and small boats, marking an escalation from a similar incident earlier in the week.

U.S. Central Command confirmed that the destroyers responded with defensive measures, including targeting Iranian facilities such as drone and missile launch sites.

Over several hours, the American warships and supporting aircraft mounted a layered defense, firing their five-inch naval guns and close-in weapon systems. Small-caliber gun teams on deck also engaged the attacking boats. American Apache helicopters fired Hellfire missiles, and .50-caliber machine guns were fired from the decks of the ships, as additional aircraft provided support overhead.

Despite the intensity of the attacks, no U.S. vessels were struck, and there were no reported casualties.

These incidents represent some of the most direct exchanges between the U.S. and Iran since a ceasefire was established over a month ago. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated earlier this week that the ceasefire remains in place, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the initial U.S. operation against Iran, Operation Epic Fury, has concluded.

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway between Iran and Oman, is a strategic passage that carries approximately one-fifth of the world's oil. Both nations continue to vie for control over this vital corridor.