US Destroyers Transit Strait of Hormuz After Iranian Barrage, Officials Say

Washington — Two U.S. Navy destroyers transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf after navigating an Iranian barrage, defense officials told CBS News on condition of anonymity to discuss national security matters.

The USS Truxtun and USS Mason, supported by Apache helicopters and other aircraft, faced coordinated threats during the passage, the officials said. Iran launched small boats, missiles and drones against them in a sustained barrage.

Neither U.S. vessel was struck. Defensive measures, bolstered by air support, intercepted or deterred each incoming threat, the officials said. No projectiles reached the ships.

The transit followed President Trump's Sunday announcement that the U.S. would help guide ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key chokepoint Iran has sought to control since the U.S. military operation began in late February. Hundreds of petroleum tankers and other ships have been stuck in the Persian Gulf for months, driving up global oil prices.

U.S. Central Command said Monday that American destroyers traveled through the strait under Project Freedom. The command did not specify which or how many vessels took part.

Central Command added that two U.S.-flagged commercial ships also transited successfully. The military has contacted dozens of other shippers to encourage traffic flow.

Adm. Brad Cooper, U.S. Central Command commander, said Iran attacked the American naval and commercial vessels, prompting the U.S. to destroy six Iranian small boats. Iran's state-run media denied the boats were destroyed and claimed no commercial vessels have crossed the strait recently.

Iran has warned U.S. forces of attacks if they enter the strait, casting doubt on a fragile four-week ceasefire. Iran launched missiles and drones at the United Arab Emirates on Monday. Iranian drones targeted an oil tanker owned by Abu Dhabi's state energy company that aimed to sail through the strait, the U.S.-allied Gulf state said. Iranian media claimed a U.S. warship was hit by missiles, a charge Central Command denied.

The U.S. is enforcing a naval blockade on Iranian ports at Trump's direction to pressure Iran while the countries exchange proposals for a longer-term deal. Iran called the blockade a ceasefire violation.