The US military has destroyed six Iranian small boats in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate in the Middle East.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command, said the US Navy had intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran, as he announced a US operation to free up shipping through the waterway.
Cooper said he “strongly advised” Iranian forces to remain clear of US military assets during the operation, adding that the US blockade of the Strait, which prevents ships from going to Iran or departing Iranian territory, also remains in effect.
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US and Iranian militaries trade shots as Strait of Hormuz tensions escalate
The US military “blew up” six Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz after Tehran launched “multiple cruise missiles, drones and small boats” at American Navy ships and commercial vessels, US Central Command has said.
Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of Central Command, said he “strongly advised” Iranian forces to remain clear of US military assets as it launched the operation.
He said a US blockade of Iran, which prevents ships from going to Iran or departing Iranian territory, also remains in effect and was exceeding expectations.
An Iranian military official denied that small boats had been sunk by the US, Iranian state TV reported.
Iranian missiles fired at UAE in first such attack since ceasefire
Iranian missiles have been fired at the UAE in the first such attack since the ceasefire started last month, as concerns mount over the resumption of Tehran’s war with the US.
The United Arab Emirates defense ministry said its air defenses were “actively engaging” with missiles and drone threats, and that “sounds heard across the country are the result of ongoing engaging operations”.
Three of the missiles were successfully intercepted over territorial waters, while the fourth landed in the sea, the defense ministry added.
People across the UAE have reportedly received alerts on their phones telling them to seek shelter.