Iran launched missiles and drones at US naval vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global oil shipments. The attack targeted multiple American ships, though the extent of any damage remains unclear. No casualties have been reported so far.
The assault
Iranian forces used a combination of ballistic missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles in the strike. The weapons were directed at US ships operating in the narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. The Strait of Hormuz sees about a fifth of the world's oil pass through it daily, making any military action there a flashpoint for global energy markets.
Why the waterway matters
The Strait is only 21 miles wide at its narrowest point, and ships must pass through territorial waters of both Iran and Oman. It has been a site of repeated confrontations over the years, with Iran threatening to close it in response to sanctions. Recent tensions have run high after the US reimposed sanctions and Iran accelerated its nuclear program.
What comes next
The US military has not detailed its response, and it is unclear whether the attack caused any damage to the vessels. The incident raises the stakes in a region already on edge, with no immediate indication of de-escalation from either side.
