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From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 4, 2026
From the Liveblog of
Monday, May 4, 2026
US destroys six Iranian small boats, shoots down missiles, drones, US admiral says
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Admiral Charles Bradford 'Brad' Cooper II, commander of US Central Command speaks during a joint press conference at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida, on March 5, 2026. (Octavio JONES / AFP)
The US military has destroyed six Iranian small boats and intercepted Iranian cruise missiles and drones fired by Tehran as the US launches an operation to free up the Strait of Hormuz for shipping, US Admiral Brad Cooper, the head of CENTCOM, says.
Cooper says he “strongly advised” Iranian forces to remain clear of US military assets as it launches the operation. He says a US blockade of Iran that prevents ships from going to Iran or departing Iranian territory also remains in effect and was exceeding expectations.
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