Iran Attacks Three US Navy Destroyers in Strait of Hormuz with Missiles, Drones and Boats

WASHINGTON — Three U.S. Navy destroyers transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack Thursday. American officials called it a fiercer and more sustained Iranian assault than the barrage two of the warships faced days earlier.

The USS Truxtun, USS Mason and USS Rafael Peralta endured missiles, drones and small boats, U.S. Central Command confirmed in a statement. The U.S. military responded by targeting Iranian facilities, including drone and missile launch sites.

Swarms of Iranian fast-attack boats maneuvered close enough that the American warships opened fire to keep them at bay, U.S. officials told CBS News on condition of anonymity. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly.

Over several hours, the warships and supporting aircraft put up a layered defense. They fired five-inch naval guns and close-in weapon systems known as CIWS. Small-caliber gun teams on deck also engaged the boats. American Apache helicopters launched Hellfire missiles and .50-caliber machine guns, with additional aircraft overhead.

Iranian forces launched drones and missiles during the confrontation, the officials said. No casualties or ship damage was reported as of publication.

On Monday, CBS News first reported that the USS Truxtun and USS Mason transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf after an Iranian barrage. Iran launched small boats, missiles and drones in that sustained attack. Neither U.S. vessel was struck.

This is a breaking story; it will be updated.