US Navy Destroyers Strike Iranian Military Sites After ‘Unprovoked’ Attack in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz intercepted Iranian attacks and carried out self-defense strikes on Iranian military sites Thursday, according to U.S. Central Command.

In a statement released moments ago, CENTCOM confirmed that United States forces “intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes” as the destroyers transited the international sea passage.

Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats against U.S. vessels, CENTCOM officials said. No U.S. assets were struck.

The U.S. military eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces, including missile and drone launch sites, command and control locations, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance nodes.

CENTCOM added at the bottom of the statement that the U.S. does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.

Officials in Iran view the U.S. response as a violation of the existing cease-fire, while the U.S. calls the actions self-defense strikes.

The White House has not yet indicated whether it considers the incident a violation of the cease-fire. Earlier this week, Secretary Rubio did not consider similar actions in the Strait of Hormuz a violation, instead characterizing them as part of a larger military campaign.

Messages received from officials and troops in the region indicate personnel are prepared for whichever direction the situation may go.

The president, who reportedly wants to reach a deal before heading to China next week, is said to be waiting for Iran’s response to a one-page memo.