U.S. and Iran trade fire in Strait of Hormuz; each claims other shot first

The U.S. and Iran opened fire in the Strait of Hormuz, with each side claiming the other initiated the attack.

U.S. Central Command in a statement said its forces “intercepted unprovoked Iranian attacks and responded with self-defense strikes” as three U.S. Navy destroyers transited the strait late Thursday.

“Iranian forces launched multiple missiles, drones and small boats” as the U.S. ships were passing toward the Gulf of Oman, CENTCOM said. “No U.S. assets were struck.”

CENTCOM “eliminated inbound threats and targeted Iranian military facilities responsible for attacking U.S. forces including missile and drone launch sites; command and control locations; and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance nodes,” its statement said.

“CENTCOM does not seek escalation but remains positioned and ready to protect American forces.”