The United States has destroyed six Iranian boats and shot down missiles and drones fired at US Navy and commercial vessels by Tehran’s forces, a top US admiral said on Monday. The military action occurred as American forces sought to facilitate the transit of commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz in an effort dubbed “Project Freedom” that President Donald Trump announced on Sunday.
US Apache and Seahawk helicopters hit “six Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping,” Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of US Central Command (CENTCOM), told journalists. US forces also “effectively engaged” all “missiles and drones that were fired at both us and the commercial ships,” Cooper said.
Iranian Forces Fire on US Ships
Some cruise missiles were launched at US Navy ships, but most of them, as well as multiple drones, targeted commercial vessels, he said. US and Israeli forces launched a massive military campaign against Iran on 28 February, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz – a vital route for oil and gas exports – while American forces later launched a blockade of Iranian ports.
Iranian state television said earlier on Monday that the country’s navy had fired cruise missiles, rockets and combat drones near US destroyers crossing the strait in what it described as a “warning shot.” According to the US Department of State, the Strait of Hormuz is a critical waterway for international trade, with nearly 20% of the world’s oil passing through it.
Impact on Global Oil Prices
The escalation of tensions between the US and Iran has sparked concerns about the potential impact on global oil prices. As the situation continues to unfold, South Africans may feel the effects of increased oil prices, which could lead to higher petrol costs. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) has warned of potential disruptions to oil supplies, which could further exacerbate the situation.
US and Israeli forces have been working together to ensure the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Two US guided-missile destroyers had passed through the strait into the Gulf as part of “Project Freedom,” while two US-flagged merchant vessels transited the opposite way and “are safely headed on their journey.”
The following are some key points to note about the situation:
- 6 Iranian boats destroyed by US forces
- Missiles and drones fired at US Navy and commercial vessels
- Strait of Hormuz closed by Iran, prompting US blockade
- Potential impact on global oil prices and SA petrol costs
