The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced the fall of Iranian small boats as the United States continue to intensify military aggression through “Project Freedom” in the Strait of Hormuz. Washington deployed Sea Hawk and Apache attack helicopters on Monday to neutralise vessels, which were alleged to be interfering with commercial maritime traffic.
CENTCOM shared on X that the helicopters “were used to eliminate Iranian small boats threatening commercial shipping” during US operations.
The ongoing “Project Freedom” aims to restore safe passage through the strait, escorting foreign ships stranded in the waterway due to Iran’s blockade. CENTCOM reported that over 100 aircraft were currently mobilised for the mission, which was launched by President Donald Trump.
Iranian state media, Fars News Agency, had earlier made claims that an American warship was struck down by missiles, after ignoring warnings from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). CENTCOM refuted the reports, sharing on X, “No US Navy ships have been struck. US forces are supporting Project Freedom and enforcing the naval blockade on Iranian ports.”
It insisted that its guided-missile destroyers remained completely operational in the region.
CENTCOM further added that two US-flagged merchant vessels passed through the passage under military protection.
The Strait of Hormuz had carried 20% of the world’s oil before the joint operation of the United States and Israel against Iran on February 28. Its blockade imposed by Tehran as retaliation has triggered a global energy crisis.
The heightened tension near the strait has raised concerns across the globe. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) condemned Iran’s recent attack on an Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) national carrier. The Emirati Ministry of Foreign Affairs called the incident a “flagrant violation of UNSC resolution 2817” and called for an end to hostilities.
The IRGC has also announced a new “smart control” maritime zone, stretching between Iran’s coast and the UAE. The zone aims to tighten oversight over the Gulf and enhance control over key shipping lanes, posing a challenge to the US Project which officially began operations on May 4.
