Two U.S. Navy destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf on Monday, navigating a coordinated barrage of missiles, drones, and small boats launched by Iran. The movement, part of a U.S. initiative to secure the global shipping chokepoint, occurred as fresh attacks struck vessels and facilities in the United Arab Emirates.
According to defense officials speaking to CBS News, the USS Truxtun and USS Mason faced a sustained onslaught during the passage. The ships were supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft to intercept incoming threats.
Neither U.S. vessel was struck during the transit, with officials reporting that defensive measures successfully intercepted or deterred all incoming projectiles. The operation was part of 'Project Freedom,' a U.S. Central Command initiative to guide ships through the strait, which has been a flashpoint for conflict since late February.
Naval Engagements and Counter-Attacks
Admiral Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, stated that the U.S. destroyed six Iranian small boats during the encounter. While U.S. officials reported the destruction of these vessels, Iran's state-run news outlets have denied the claims and asserted that no commercial vessels have recently crossed the strait.
Central Command confirmed that two U.S.-flagged commercial ships successfully transited the area on Monday. The military has since reached out to dozens of other shippers to encourage traffic flow through the chokepoint.
Attacks on the United Arab Emirates
The United Arab Emirates reported that its air defenses intercepted ballistic and cruise missiles fired from Iran. A drone attack also struck an oil facility in Fujairah, resulting in a reported fire at the site, according to Al Jazeera.
Iran has not officially commented on the reported attacks in the UAE. However, the nation had previously warned U.S. forces that they would be attacked if they entered the strait, a threat that has placed a fragile four-week-long ceasefire in jeopardy.
Regional Diplomatic Response
A wave of international condemnation followed the suspected Iranian missile and drone attacks on the UAE. Qatar, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the European Union all issued condemnations of the strikes, according to Al Jazeera.
Saudi Arabia called for a de-escalation of the conflict on Tuesday following the clashes between the United States and Iran. The diplomatic push for peace comes as the regional conflict threatens global energy supplies and the stability of a fragile regional ceasefire.
In a related development, Al Jazeera reported that Israeli attacks have killed 2,696 people in Lebanon since March 2. Meanwhile, the United Security Council is scheduled to hold a closed-door meeting regarding the situation in Lebanon.
