Iranian Naval Forces Thwart US Destroyers in Strategic Strait of Hormuz Encounter
Iran's Navy has targeted U.S. destroyers using cruise missiles and combat drones close to the Strait of Hormuz. This action comes following allegations that U.S. forces violated a ceasefire by attacking Iranian oil tankers, prompting their withdrawal from the region.
In a statement issued on Friday, the Islamic Republic of Iran Army declared that its naval units engaged American destroyers on Thursday night. The engagement involved the deployment of an array of missiles, combat drones, and rockets. The action was reportedly in response to the alleged violation of a ceasefire, where the American vessels were accused of attacking Iranian oil tankers in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz and within Iranian territorial waters.
In a statement, it was reported that in response to actions, the American destroyers altered their course and exited the vicinity.
Following a sequence of US military offensives aimed at Iranian vessels and port sites, an Iranian spokesperson from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters reported that US forces had launched strikes on an Iranian oil tanker en route from the Jask coastal region to the Strait of Hormuz. The spokesperson labeled the US actions as “aggressive, terrorist, and outlaw.”
In a concurrent incident, a separate Iranian vessel was targeted while making its way into the strait, located directly across from the port of Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates.
In coordination with regional allies, US forces conducted airstrikes targeting civilian areas along Iran’s southern coastline, including locations near Bandar Khamir, Sirik, and Qeshm Island, according to a spokesperson.
The Islamic Revolution Guards Corps Navy provided a comprehensive report on their countermeasure, characterizing it as a “highly extensive and precise combined operation.” This operation was initiated in retaliation to the tanker assault near Jask and the subsequent encroachment of US destroyers advancing toward the strait, despite previously issued “clear warnings.”
In a significant military assertion, the commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards’ naval forces announced the deployment of anti-ship ballistic missiles, anti-ship cruise missiles, and drones with destructive capabilities. These advanced weaponry systems are outfitted with high-explosive warheads and have been reportedly launched “directly at enemy destroyers.”
Post-strike intelligence assessments have verified “significant damage” to American military assets, the commander reported. Additionally, he noted that three U.S. vessels “retreated from the Strait of Hormuz area immediately” due to the display of Iranian firepower.
The spokesperson for Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, had previously cautioned that Iran is prepared to deliver a decisive and powerful response to any acts of aggression or violations, emphasizing that such actions would be met without any hesitation.
**Foreign Ministry Issues Warning**
Following the dissemination of military statements, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghaei issued a sharp message aimed at Washington and its regional allies via social media platform X.
In an Arabic message, he expressed a warning, stating, “Do not mistake a lion’s bared fangs for a smile.”
