U.S. Destroyers Face Intensified Iranian Attacks in Strait of Hormuz

Washington - Three U.S. Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz faced a fierce and sustained Iranian assault on Thursday, a second round of attacks that officials say was more intense than the barrage encountered days earlier.

The USS Truxtun, USS Mason, and USS Rafael Peralta were targeted by missiles, drones, and swarms of fast-attack boats. The U.S. military responded with “self-defense strikes” against Iranian drone and missile launch sites.

American warships opened fire as small boats maneuvered close. Crews used five-inch naval guns and close-in weapon systems known as CIWS. Apache helicopters fired Hellfire missiles and machine guns. No casualties or damage to the ships were reported.

These incidents mark some of the most direct exchanges since the U.S.-Iran ceasefire took effect over a month ago. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the ceasefire remains in place. Despite the truce, both sides continue vying for control over the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries one-fifth of the world’s oil.