U.S. and Iran Exchange Fire in Strait of Hormuz; Three Destroyers Targeted

U.S. Central Command confirmed that Iranian forces launched a coordinated assault using missiles, drones, and small boats against USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason as they transited the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. American forces intercepted the attacks and conducted retaliatory strikes. Iranian state media, citing unnamed military officials, claimed U.S. vessels sustained damage and were forced to retreat — a claim CENTCOM has not confirmed. Separately, a CIA assessment reportedly found Iran retains approximately 70 percent of its pre-war missile stockpile and can withstand the U.S. naval blockade for three to four more months, directly contradicting public statements from senior U.S. officials.