The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that its forces intercepted several ballistic missiles and drones launched by Iran toward the Strait of Hormuz and neighboring Gulf countries, marking a new escalation in regional tensions.

According to a CENTCOM statement, Iran launched seven ballistic missiles toward Kuwait and Bahrain, hours after U.S. forces had shot down four one-way attack drones heading toward the Strait of Hormuz.

The command said the drones posed a direct threat to maritime traffic, prompting U.S. forces to conduct strikes against coastal surveillance radar sites in the Gorouk area and on Iran’s Qeshm Island to prevent further maritime attacks.

Preliminary assessments indicated that six of the ballistic missiles were intercepted, while the seventh failed to reach its intended target.

CENTCOM confirmed that no American personnel were injured and rejected Iranian claims that the U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain had been damaged.

The command stressed that U.S. forces remain on high alert and stated that the actions taken were carried out in self-defense and to protect regional security and freedom of navigation.