The United States has confirmed it carried out strikes on Iranian military targets near the Strait of Hormuz after what it described as attacks on American naval vessels by Iran.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said three guided-missile destroyers travelling through the strategic waterway late on Thursday were targeted by Iranian missiles, drones and small boats. According to the US military, the attacks were intercepted before causing damage.
In response, the US struck Iranian military sites it said were linked to the operation, describing the action as self-defence.
CENTCOM said the US did not seek further conflict “but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces”.
Iranian state media reported exchanges of fire involving Iranian forces and “the enemy” on Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, while explosions were also reported near the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.
US President Donald Trump claimed the strikes caused “great damage” and said the American destroyers passed through the strait safely.
“Missiles were shot at our Destroyers, and were easily knocked down,” Trump wrote on social media. “Likewise, drones came, and were incinerated while in the air. They dropped ever so beautifully down to the Ocean, very much like a butterfly dropping to its grave!”
Trump added: “A normal Country would have allowed these Destroyers to pass, but Iran is not a normal Country. They are led by LUNATICS, and if they had the chance to use a Nuclear Weapon, they would do it, without question.”
“But they’ll never have that opportunity and, just like we knocked them out again today, we’ll knock them out a lot harder, and a lot more violently, in the future, if they don’t get their Deal signed, FAST!”
Speaking to ABC News in the United States, Trump later described the military response as “just a love tap” and maintained that the ceasefire agreement reached on April 7 remained in place.
Iran’s Press TV later reported that conditions around the Strait of Hormuz had stabilised after several hours of fighting.
The confrontation comes amid ongoing discussions between the two countries over a possible agreement that could end hostilities and lead to a 30-day negotiation process.
Despite the ceasefire, many commercial ships and oil tankers are continuing to avoid the Strait of Hormuz due to security concerns, while the US naval blockade in the Gulf of Oman targeting Iranian shipping also remains in effect.
Source: Sydney Morning Herald
