The US carried out retaliatory military strikes against Iran after what Washington described as a series of attacks targeting American naval forces near the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

According to the U.S. military, forces under United States Central Command launched strikes on Iranian missile and drone launch sites, command centers and intelligence facilities linked to attacks on U.S. troops and naval assets, The Caspian Post reports via Reuters.

The Pentagon said Iran fired multiple missiles, drones and deployed small boats as three U.S. Navy destroyers - the USS Truxtun, USS Peralta and USS Mason - moved through the Strait of Hormuz toward the Gulf of Oman.

U.S. officials said no American military assets were damaged during the confrontation and described the operation as a defensive response aimed at protecting U.S. personnel and securing maritime routes.

Iran, however, accused Washington of violating an existing ceasefire agreement. Tehran’s joint military command claimed the U.S. targeted an Iranian oil tanker and another vessel entering the Strait of Hormuz, while also striking civilian areas.

The latest escalation raises new concerns over the fragile ceasefire announced on April 7, which paused weeks of intense fighting between the two sides. While Washington says it remains open to negotiations, major disputes - including Iran’s nuclear program and freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz - remain unresolved.

The waterway is considered one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, previously handling nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas shipments. Renewed instability in the region has heightened fears of disruption to global energy markets and international shipping.

The exchange follows another recent confrontation earlier this week, when the U.S. military said it intercepted Iranian drones and cruise missiles and destroyed several Iranian boats during operations to protect commercial shipping routes in the Gulf region.