US Navy Destroyers Transit Strait of Hormuz as Iran Conducts Attacks

Two US Navy destroyers, the USS Truxtun and USS Mason, transited the Strait of Hormuz into the Persian Gulf, facing threats from Iranian drones, missiles, and small fast-attack craft. The ships were supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft during the passage.

No projectiles struck the vessels, according to defense officials cited in reports. The US military announced it had eliminated six Iranian small boats attempting to interfere with commercial shipping in the strait. Iran denied the US claims of destroying its boats and intercepting missiles and drones.

The operation aimed to assist hundreds of trapped ships and their crews in the Gulf.

Trump stated that Iran would be "blown off the face of the earth" if it attacked US vessels trying to reopen routes through the Strait of Hormuz. This followed reports of the naval transit and clashes. The US has established a new navy route through Omani waters south of the traditional traffic separation scheme, avoiding Iranian-mandated lanes.

Iranian state television, citing a military official, said Iran had no premeditated plan to attack oil facilities in the UAE's Fujairah. The US has ramped up pressure on China over its role in the Iran conflict. Israel is discussing potential new strikes in Iran with the United States, according to CNN reports.

The ongoing conflict could further reduce US oil consumption, as America already uses less oil.

The US launched an operation to help ships trapped in the Gulf, pushing the region toward potential full-scale war. Iranian forces targeted the US destroyers during their transit, but the ships completed the passage without damage. Defense officials, speaking anonymously, detailed the sustained barrage of attacks.

The new US route avoids areas with reported mines and Iranian tollbooth lanes. MarketWatch reported that the Iran conflict could accelerate the decline in US hydrocarbon demand. WSJ noted China's resistance sets up a superpower showdown.