Amid reports of Iranian aggression, POTUS says there has been ‘no damage’ in the Strait
In a marked moment of escalation, Adm. Brad Cooper of the U.S. Central Command told reporters on Monday that Iran had opened fire on U.S. warships and commercial vessels. This comes as President Trump has attempted to reopen the Strait of Hormuz with naval power amid a tenuous ceasefire.
by Summer Lane | May 4, 2026
Reports have flooded in on Monday morning that Iran targeted U.S. warships and commercial vessels, prompting intense speculation as to whether this constitutes a serious violation of the ceasefire between the two nations.
According to CENTCOM Adm. Brad Cooper, Iran took shots (or possibly only tried to) at U.S. and commercial vessels amid Project Freedom – President Trump’s ordered operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz – but declined to comment on whether this nullified the ceasefire.
In audio obtained by Fox News, Cooper stated:
“The cruise missiles were going after both US Navy ships, but mostly after commercial shipping. We defended both ourselves and consistent with our commitment, we defended all the commercial ships. We’ve had, drone launches against, commercial ships, all of which were defended against, consistent with our commitment. And then the small boats were all going against commercial ships, and all were sunk by Apaches and Seahawk helicopters.”
This also comes amid the United Arab Emirates’ reports that Iranian missiles were fired in their direction on Monday, along with one alleged drone attack, which has supposedly resulted in several injuries and at least two cargo vessel fires, per LindellTV.
These developments seem to indicate a rapid reescalation in the Middle East, and bode ill in light of the president’s most recent warning to Iran.
According to Fox News’ Trey Yingst, President Trump warned that if the Iranians attacked U.S. forces escorting vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, they would be “blown off the face of the earth.”
The situation seems to be a point of confusion, however, as President Trump released a statement very shortly after Adm. Cooper’s comments, suggesting that Iran has only struck at “unrelated Nations” in traversing the Strait.
“Iran has taken some shots at unrelated Nations with respect to the Ship Movement, PROJECT FREEDOM, including a South Korean Cargo Ship,” the president wrote. “Perhaps it’s time for South Korea to come and join the mission! We’ve shot down seven small Boats or, as they like to call them, ‘fast’ Boats. It’s all they have left. Other than the South Korean Ship, there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”
The president said that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine would hold a press conference on Tuesday addressing the situation.
Photo: Adobe Stock
