U.S. Destroys Six Iranian Small Boats, Shoots Down Missiles, Drones, Admiral Says

WASHINGTON, May 4 (Reuters) – The U.S. military said on Monday it destroyed six small Iranian boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran as the United States launched an operation to free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Admiral Brad Cooper, head of Central Command, declined to comment on whether the ceasefire initiated on April 8 would remain in effect. But he acknowledged continued efforts by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to “interfere” with President Donald Trump’s operation to open the critical waterway to commercial traffic.

“The Revolutionary Guard launched numerous cruise missiles, drones and small boats at the ships we protected. We defeated each of these threats through the clinical application of defensive munitions,” he said.

Cooper said he “strongly advised” Iranian forces to stay clear of U.S. military assets as they launched the operation, which involved 15,000 U.S. troops, U.S. Navy destroyers, more than 100 land and seaplanes and submarine assets.

“U.S. commanders on scene have all necessary authority to defend their units and commercial shipping,” he said.

Asked whether the U.S. military escorts the ships, Cooper said there are no traditional escorts, but instead a broader, multi-layered defense arrangement that includes ships, helicopters, planes and electronic warfare to defend against Iranian threats.

“If you’re escorting a ship, you’re kind of playing one-on-one. I think we have a much better defensive arrangement along the way,” he said. “We have a much more comprehensive defense package than you would have if you were just an escort.”

The US blockade of Iran, which prevents ships from going to Iran or leaving Iranian territory, also remains in effect and has exceeded expectations, Cooper said.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali, Editing by Nick Zieminski and Joe Bavier)