The third American destroyer has entered the Persian Gulf

The third American guided missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta has passed through the Strait of Hormuz and entered the waters of the Persian Gulf as part of the "Operation Freedom" mission, CBS News reported on the evening of Tuesday, May 5, citing officials, as noted by DW.

All three ships - USS Rafael Peralta, USS Truxtun, and USS Mason - are currently located west of the strait awaiting further instructions. They are part of a multi-layered defense system of warships, aviation, and air defense systems to protect commercial vessels attempting to exit the Persian Gulf through the strait.

Attack on destroyers in the Strait of Hormuz

On May 4, the destroyers USS Truxtun and USS Mason, while passing through the Strait of Hormuz under the cover of fighter jets and helicopters, were attacked by Iranian forces using missiles, drones, and fast boats. This was reported by the U.S. Central Command in the Middle East (CENTCOM).

According to American military officials, the ships' defensive systems, supported by aviation, allowed them to intercept or deter all threats - none of the ships' munitions reached their targets. Two Iranian boats were sunk.

Missile strike on a commercial vessel

Late on May 5, near the coast of the United Arab Emirates - not far from Dubai - the commercial vessel CGM San Antonio, owned by a French company, was subjected to a missile strike.

According to American officials, the vessel was hit by what is believed to be a land-based cruise missile, and several members of the Filipino crew were injured. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) confirmed receiving a report of a "cargo ship being struck by an unknown projectile."

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary suspension of "Operation Freedom" in light of the events to assess the possibilities of reaching a final agreement with Iran.