US launches 'self-defense strikes' on Iran after warships attacked

The U.S. military carried out "self-defense strikes" against Iranian targets. This action followed an attack on three U.S. Navy destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. The destroyers, USS Truxtun, USS Mason, and USS Rafael Peralta, were targeted with missiles, drones, and small boats. However, none of the U.S. vessels were struck.

U.S. Central Command confirmed the strikes, stating that American forces responded to the missile and drone fire. The targets included Iranian facilities used for launching drones and missiles. The U.S. military described the action as a necessary response to the aggression.

The attacks on the U.S. destroyers occurred on Thursday as they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. Officials described the assault as fiercer than previous encounters. Iranian fast-attack boats maneuvered close to the warships, prompting the U.S. vessels to open fire to maintain distance. Drones and missiles were also launched by Iranian forces during the confrontation.

Despite the intensity of the attacks, which lasted for several hours, the U.S. warships were not hit. The American defense involved a layered approach using the warships and supporting aircraft. This incident marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions in the region.

Iranian state television reported explosions on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz. The broadcaster IRIB stated these blasts occurred during an "exchange of fire" between Iranian armed forces and an unspecified enemy. Other Iranian news outlets also reported the explosions at the Bahman pier on the island.

President Trump commented on the events, stating that Iran attacked three U.S. Navy destroyers. He said the U.S. "blew them away" in response. Trump also referred to U.S. strikes on two Iranian ports as "just a love tap." He maintained that the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran remained in effect despite these actions.

The United Arab Emirates reported that its air defense systems were activated early Friday morning. This was in response to drones and missiles launched by Iran. The UAE's defense ministry stated that their systems intercepted the projectiles. Residents were advised to stay in safe places and follow official warnings.

Oil prices saw an increase early Friday. This rise followed a drop of around 10% in the preceding three days. The clashes in the Strait of Hormuz appeared to dampen hopes for a swift end to the conflict. West Texas Intermediate crude rose by 1.2% to $95.93 per barrel, while Brent crude increased by 1.5% to $101.56.

The U.N. International Maritime Organization reported that approximately 1,500 ships and their crews are trapped in the Persian Gulf. This situation is due to Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The U.N. official stated these crews are innocent people caught in geopolitical events beyond their control.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced new sanctions. These target an Iraqi oil official, several Iraqi firms, and leaders of Iran-backed militias. They are accused of helping Iran avoid U.S. sanctions and funding militants. The Treasury alleges Iraq's deputy oil minister helped divert Iraqi oil and falsify documents to sell Iranian oil as Iraqi oil.

In Lebanon, Israel's military canceled some events near the border. This decision came after an Israeli airstrike killed a senior Hezbollah commander in Beirut. Israel cited the possibility of attacks from Hezbollah as the reason for the cancellations.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged domestic economic difficulties. He attributed these to external efforts to destabilize the country. Pezeshkian urged business leaders to help keep the country afloat and manage energy consumption efficiently.

The White House stated it has a plan to manage the impact of "short-term disruptions" to fuel prices. Spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said President Trump anticipated such issues from "Operation Epic Fury." The plan includes temporarily waiving the Jones Act to improve energy flow to U.S. ports.

Iranian state media reported that President Pezeshkian met with the country's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The meeting reportedly lasted nearly two and a half hours. Khamenei has not been seen publicly since becoming supreme leader, with U.S. officials suggesting he was wounded in an earlier strike.

Iranian state television claimed that all vessels are waiting for Iran's permission to transit the Strait of Hormuz. A reporter stated that ships are waiting for approval from the IRGC Navy. This comes as a shipping intelligence firm reported the strait is currently closed.

French President Emmanuel Macron told Iranian President Pezeshkian that strikes on the UAE were "unjustified." Macron called on both the U.S. and Iran to lift blockades in the Strait of Hormuz. Pezeshkian responded that any negotiation requires the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade.

President Trump stated there is "never a deadline" in negotiations with Iran. He expressed confidence that a deal would eventually be made. He also mentioned that sending senior U.S. officials to Iran for in-person talks was premature.

Gasoline prices in the U.S. reached an average of $4.54 a gallon, the highest since July 2022. Prices have jumped 52% since the start of the Iran war due to disruptions in oil flows. This increase is approaching the record high seen in June 2022.

President Trump told reporters that talks with Iran over the past 24 hours have been "very good." He believes a deal is possible and that Iran's leaders "want to make a deal." Trump described the war as going "unbelievably well" for the U.S.