US President Donald Trump claimed three US Navy destroyers came under Iranian attack while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying American forces “completely destroyed” the attackers and downed incoming missiles and drones.
In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump said USS Truxtun, USS Rafael Peralta, and USS Mason passed through the strait “very successfully” despite being “under fire.”
Trump claimed there was “no damage” to the destroyers, while Iranian small boats, missiles, and drones were destroyed. He said drones were “incinerated while in the air” and missiles were “easily knocked down.”
He also sharply criticized Iran’s leadership, calling them “lunatics,” and warned Tehran would face “a lot harder” military action if a deal with Washington is not signed quickly.
Despite the confrontation, Trump later told ABC News journalist Rachel Scott that the US retaliatory strikes were only a “love tap” and insisted the ceasefire with Iran “is in effect.”
Trump says Iran’s latest proposal includes giving up any path to nuclear weapons and handing over “nuclear dust” along with other key concessions sought by the US. He also claimed Iranian agreements often “don’t mean much” as positions change quickly.
Trump further said the US has dealt with multiple layers of Iran’s leadership during the conflict, claiming much of the current regime structure has been weakened and calling it “the ultimate regime change.”
According to United States Central Command, Iranian forces launched missiles, drones, and fast boats at the US destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz. US forces then struck Iranian missile launch sites, drone facilities, command centers, and intelligence nodes.
Trump also said the destroyers would now rejoin the US naval blockade, which he described as a “Wall of Steel.”
Iran has continued accusing the US of violating the truce through its naval blockade while also threatening commercial shipping routes in the Gulf.
The Strait of Hormuz carries nearly 20% of global oil and LNG trade. Renewed tensions pushed investors toward the US dollar, while analysts at Commerzbank Research warned that further escalation could damage ceasefire hopes and deepen global risk-off sentiment.
