Two U.S. Navy destroyers, the USS Truxtun and USS Mason, have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf after facing a coordinated Iranian attack involving small boats, missiles, and drones. Defense officials report that air support from Apache helicopters helped intercept all incoming threats, and neither vessel was struck.
This transit follows President Trump's announcement that the U.S. would guide ships through the strategic waterway as part of an effort called Project Freedom. Hundreds of petroleum tankers have been stuck in the Persian Gulf for months, driving up global oil prices.
Central Command confirmed that two U.S.-flagged commercial ships also made the crossing, and the military is now encouraging other shippers to resume traffic. Admiral Brad Cooper stated that U.S. forces destroyed six Iranian boats during the operation, though Iran denies this and claims no commercial vessels have passed through the strait.
Earlier Monday, Iran attacked the United Arab Emirates with missiles and drones, targeting an oil tanker owned by Abu Dhabi's state energy company. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to enforce a naval blockade on Iranian ports, which Iran calls a violation of the fragile ceasefire.