US military says it shot down Iranian drones in Strait of Hormuz

WASHINGTON - The U.S. military on Friday said that it has "downed" several Iranian drones targeting vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran launched multiple one-way attack drones in an attempt to strike commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz," the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X.

"U.S. forces have downed all of them in recent hours as traffic flow through the strait continues unimpeded. The international trade corridor remains open for transit."

The U.S. military did not provide further details.

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump said the U.S. military has been helping oil tankers and commercial vessels pass through the Strait of Hormuz in what he described as a "secret mission" to keep the key shipping lane open.

According to a report by the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations, fewer than 10 vessels are currently transiting the strait each day. Before Iran effectively blocked the route in response to the conflict with the U.S., roughly 130 ships passed through daily, the report said.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important energy transit routes, carrying a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies.

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