US Launches Operation to Protect Shipping in Strait of Hormuz Amid Ongoing Tensions with Iran

WASHINGTON, DEC. 5: A ceasefire is in place between the US and Iran, but tensions between the two countries continue to escalate over the Strait of Hormuz. US forces attacked and destroyed six Iranian small boats. US forces say they also shot down Iranian cruise missiles and drones. US forces say Iranian boats were trying to thwart new US Navy efforts to resume shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to the strikes. US President Donald Trump reportedly launched the operation, called Project Freedom. On Monday, Iran launched drone and missile strikes on the UAE. The strike prompted the US to not clarify whether the April 8 ceasefire would remain in effect. The head of the Central Command, USGC Admiral Brad Cooper, declined to comment when asked. But he said the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is intervening in Operation Brad Cooper, which Trump said is protecting.