On Thursday, the United States Central Command stated that retaliatory strikes were carried out by the U.S. military against Iran’s missile and drone launch sites and other military facilities. The U.S. military cited Iran’s unprovoked attacks on American vessels in the Strait of Hormuz as the reason behind the strikes.
According to a statement released on social media platform X by the US Central Command, on May 7, as American naval missile destroyers passed through the Strait of Hormuz en route to the Gulf of Oman, the U.S. intercepted Iran’s unprovoked attacks and responded with defensive measures.
The statement mentioned that as the USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason destroyers transited through the international waterway, Iran launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats in an attack. Fortunately, no U.S. assets were hit during the incident.
The CENTCOM eliminated the threat and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for the attack on American forces, including missile and drone launch sites, command and control centers, as well as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance nodes. The statement emphasized that while the CENTCOM does not seek further escalation, it remains prepared to protect U.S. military forces at all times.
Iranian state media reported that commercial facilities at Bahman Pier on Qeshm Island were targeted in clashes between Iranian security forces and the “enemy.”
According to semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim, the Iranian Navy attacked three American destroyers near the Strait of Hormuz.
Unnamed U.S. officials revealed to CBS News that the USS Truxtun and USS Mason destroyers faced intense Iranian attacks. A significant number of Iranian fast attack boats approached, prompting the U.S. vessels to fire in order to deter their approach.
Officials noted that Iran also launched drones and missiles during the conflict. In the hours that followed, U.S. warships and supporting aircraft engaged in multi-layered defense strategies. Despite the intensity of the attacks, the American vessels remained unscathed.