US, Iranian Strikes Erupt Near Strait of Hormuz

US and Iranian forces traded fire Thursday near the Strait of Hormuz after an Iranian barrage targeting American warships drew retaliatory strikes, military officials from both sides said, despite a ceasefire officially remaining in effect. The exchange marked a sharp uptick in tension around one of the world's busiest oil shipping lanes, the Wall Street Journal reports. US Central Command said its strikes were fired in self-defense after the destroyers Truxton, Rafael Peralta, and Mason were fired on. "Centcom does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces," a statement said, per the Washington Post. No US ships or aircraft were hit, the military said.

The US said that Iran sent missiles, drones, and small boats at Navy vessels operating near the narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. According to Iranian state media, the operation involved ballistic and cruise missiles as well as so-called suicide drones and was carried out in response to a US move against an Iranian oil tanker earlier in the week. The US said it had previously fired disabling shots at that tanker, which it accused of trying to break a US-enforced blockade. After Wednesday's barrage, American forces intercepted the incoming threats and then hit Iranian targets linked to the operation, including missile and drone launch sites, command centers, and intelligence and surveillance facilities, Centcom said. Explosions were reported at multiple locations near the strait.

President Trump later posted about the exchange, calling Iran "not a normal Country?" and saying it's being "led by LUNATICS?," per the New York Times. He referred to Iran now reviewing a peace proposal. "?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?!" Trump wrote.