Strait of hormuz: The US military destroyed two Iranian boats on Monday following an attempt by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to seize a US Navy drone patrolling the strategic Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported Tuesday, citing US officials.

According to Anadolu Agency, Iranian media claimed that the US targeted fishing boats near the port city of Kargan and Larak Island in Hormozgan province. Ahmad Nafisi, the Deputy Governor for Security Affairs, reported that an unspecified number of fishermen were missing, as search-and-rescue operations continued, as per Mehr News Agency.

A US official described the events, stating that the IRGC utilized the boats to capture a US unmanned surface vessel. In response, an American drone fired two missiles, destroying the boats and resulting in casualties among the crew.

US Central Command spokesperson Capt. Tim Hawkins stated, "Iranian small boats recently attempted to take possession of a US unmanned surface vessel, but they were unsuccessful after CENTCOM forcefully responded." He further assured that "the surface drone remains under US operational control."

The incident highlights ongoing efforts by the US to secure commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital channel for global oil shipments, which remain below prewar levels. US forces, in collaboration with Gulf countries, have resumed daytime tanker transits to enhance security.

Currently, around 40 ships transit the strait daily under US military guidance, with approximately 14 million barrels of oil passing through each day. Additionally, LNG and LPG tankers have also resumed crossings, further underscoring the strategic importance of maintaining security in the region.