U.S. Navy guided missile destroyers came under attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, prompting American forces to intercept Iranian fire and strike Iranian military installations in self-defense, according to United States Central Command.
Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones, and small boats against the U.S. vessels as they moved through the international sea passage, CENTCOM officials said. All inbound threats were eliminated, and no U.S. assets were struck.
In response, U.S. forces targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for the attack, including missile and drone launch sites, command and control locations, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance nodes.
CENTCOM stated that the U.S. “does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.”
While the United States characterizes the action as self-defense strikes, Iranian officials view the U.S. response as a violation of the existing cease-fire. The White House has not yet issued a determination on whether the incident breaches the truce.
Earlier this week, Secretary Rubio indicated that similar actions in the Strait of Hormuz were not considered cease-fire violations but rather part of a larger military campaign.
Personnel and officials in the region have signaled they are prepared for any escalation, with troops reporting their bags are packed “for whichever direction this may go.”
The president, who is seeking a diplomatic deal before an upcoming trip to China next week, is awaiting Iran’s response to a one-page memo.