Iran Threatens US as Trump Moves to Secure Strait of Hormuz Shipping Route

Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated sharply after Iran issued fresh warnings in response to President Donald Trump’s plan to escort ships through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The development comes amid heightened military activity in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.

According to U.S. defense officials who spoke anonymously to CBS News, two American Navy destroyers—the USS Truxtun and USS Mason—successfully navigated the strait and entered the Persian Gulf despite facing what was described as a coordinated Iranian assault. The vessels, supported by Apache helicopters and additional aircraft, encountered a barrage involving small boats, missiles, and drones during their transit.

Officials emphasized that although the attack was sustained and complex, neither ship sustained any damage. Defensive systems, combined with aerial support, effectively intercepted or deterred all incoming threats, ensuring that no projectiles reached their targets.

The operation follows Trump’s recent announcement that the United States would assist in guiding commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow passage that has become a focal point of geopolitical tension since U.S. military operations intensified in late February. The disruption in maritime traffic has left hundreds of oil tankers stranded in the Persian Gulf for months, contributing to rising global oil prices.

Earlier in the day, U.S. Central Command confirmed that American destroyers had transited the strait as part of a broader initiative known as “Project Freedom.” While details about the number of participating naval vessels were not disclosed, officials noted that two U.S.-flagged commercial ships also completed the passage successfully. Efforts are underway to encourage more shipping companies to resume operations in the region.

Adm. Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, stated that Iranian forces launched attacks on both military and commercial vessels during the transit. In response, U.S. forces reportedly destroyed six Iranian small boats. However, Iranian state media disputed these claims, denying any losses and asserting that no commercial ships had recently crossed the strait.

The situation remains volatile, with Iran warning that any U.S. presence in the strait could trigger further attacks, raising concerns about the stability of a fragile ceasefire that has held for just four weeks. Adding to the unrest, Iran reportedly launched missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates and targeted an Abu Dhabi-owned oil tanker attempting to pass through the strait.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has intensified pressure by enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports, a move Tehran has condemned as a breach of the ceasefire, further complicating efforts toward a long-term diplomatic resolution.