US destroys six Iranian boats in Strait of Hormuz operation

US military forces destroyed six Iranian Revolutionary Guard fast boats and neutralized cruise missiles and drones during the first day of "Project Freedom," the operation announced by President Donald Trump to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic. The operation involved USS Truxtun and USS Mason destroyers passing through the strait under what US Central Command described as a "sustained barrage" of Iranian threats. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of CENTCOM, confirmed that Apache and Seahawk helicopters supported the destroyers while F-16 fighters provided air cover alongside more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft deployed for the mission. Iran denied that its fast boats had been destroyed, describing its actions as "warning shots" directed at a US naval destroyer attempting to enter the strait. On the same day, Iran also attacked a UAE-owned oil tanker with two drones, injuring three people, and directed fire at a South Korean cargo vessel. The developments have put in question a fragile ceasefire in effect since April 7, when Trump ordered a pause in offensive combat following US-Israeli strikes against Iranian facilities launched on February 28. Trump himself had declared in a letter to congressional leaders that "hostilities have terminated" just hours before Monday's engagements occurred. Defense officials warned that "we are closer to the resumption of major combat operations than we were 24 hours ago," though no orders to abandon the ceasefire had been received. The United Arab Emirates, Egypt, the Gulf Cooperation Council, and the United Kingdom all condemned the Iranian attacks, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging Iran to "engage meaningfully in negotiations to ensure the ceasefire endures." Trump downplayed the incidents on his Truth Social network, noting that Iran had "taken some shots" that caused "little damage" and urging South Korea to join the mission. Brent crude traded above $126 a barrel on Monday, its highest level since 2022, amid uncertainty over global energy supply as some 20% of the world's oil normally passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Project Freedom mobilizes more than 15,000 military personnel, 100 aircraft, and a fleet of destroyers to escort merchant vessels that have been trapped since the start of the Iranian blockade imposed on February 28. The strait's narrow geography multiplies the danger, with distances that curtail reaction time for antimissile systems and an extensive coastline from which attacks can be launched with little warning. The operation represents a delicate balance for Trump, combining demonstrations of military power with attempts to keep diplomatic channels open, as Iran has demonstrated the ability to block or inflate transit costs through unconventional means rather than relying on a conventional fleet.