Trump reveals the US has destroyed seven small Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran fired on several vessels there, causing damage to a South Korean cargo ship.
On 4 May 2026, US President Donald Trump disclosed that the United States had destroyed "seven" small Iranian boats after Iran opened fire on several vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. He confirmed that "no damage" occurred from the Iranian attacks except for damage to a single South Korean ship.
"Iran fired on vessels of countries not involved in Project Freedom's mission, including a South Korean cargo ship. Perhaps it is time for South Korea to get involved in this mission! We have destroyed seven small boats, or as they like to call them, 'speedboats.' That's all they have left," Trump stated.
He further emphasized, "Aside from the South Korean ship, there has been no other damage reported during transit through the strait."
Earlier on Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) Commander Admiral Bradley Cooper told reporters that the US military had "destroyed" six small Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz.
However, despite Trump's frequent claims that the Iranian navy has been wiped out, General Dan Ken, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, acknowledged that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), an elite military unit, still has small boats that can be deployed in the strait.
The US "Project Freedom" is an effort to support "commercial ships seeking free passage through the strait." While no official warship escorts are used, CENTCOM's statement indicates the mission includes:
guided missile destroyers, over 100 aircraft both land-based and shipborne, various unmanned aerial vehicles, and 15,000 personnel.
Additionally, Trump announced that General Ken and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth would hold a joint press conference Tuesday morning.
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Source:cnn