5. May 2026

Centcom: Iran Opened Fire on US Warships; US Destroys 6 Boats in Retaliation

WASHINGTON — U.S. military forces destroyed six Iranian vessels after they opened fire on American warships in the Persian Gulf, U.S. Central Command said, in an incident that marks a sharp escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran.

CENTCOM said the encounter occurred when Iranian boats approached U.S. naval vessels operating in international waters and began firing. U.S. forces responded in self-defense, sinking six of the attacking craft. No American casualties were reported, according to the statement.

The U.S. Navy ships were conducting routine operations at the time of the incident, officials said. The type of Iranian vessels involved was not immediately detailed, though such encounters in the region have often involved fast-attack craft operated by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

Iranian authorities did not immediately acknowledge the incident or provide their account.

The Persian Gulf has long been a flashpoint between the United States and Iran, with periodic confrontations involving naval forces, drones and commercial shipping. U.S. officials have repeatedly accused Iran of harassing American vessels and threatening freedom of navigation in the strategic waterway, through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Defense analysts say encounters between U.S. and Iranian forces at sea carry a high risk of rapid escalation, particularly when vessels operate in close proximity. The latest clash comes amid already heightened tensions over Iran’s nuclear program and ongoing regional conflicts involving Iranian-backed groups.

The Pentagon said it is monitoring the situation closely and remains prepared to respond to any further threats. U.S. officials emphasized that American forces acted in accordance with international law and the right to self-defense.

There was no immediate indication that the incident would lead to broader military engagement, but it is likely to intensify diplomatic strains between the two countries.