Two US Navy destroyers, USS Truxtun and USS Mason, have safely passed through the Strait of Hormuz into the Arabian Gulf. They faced intense attacks from Iranian forces, including small boats, missiles, and drones, but were not hit due to their defensive systems.
A South Korean-operated ship near the strait caught fire, but all 24 crew members are safe. In Oman, two people were injured when a building housing company employees was struck. In the UAE, Iranian missiles and drones targeted Fujairah, causing a fire at an oil facility.
US forces reported sinking six Iranian fast boats and intercepting missiles aimed at the destroyers. President Trump urged South Korea to join the US mission, while Iran’s foreign minister called the crisis political and warned Gulf states not to let the US or Israel use their territory against Iran.
Trump threatened harsh consequences if Iran attacks US ships but did not declare a ceasefire. South Korea is considering the request to join the mission, which could strain its relations with Iran. Fujairah’s oil pipeline allows the UAE to export crude despite the strait blockade. Iran’s actions aim to close this alternative route as well.
While the destroyers’ transit was a tactical success, restoring normal shipping through the strait remains challenging as long as Iran poses a threat.