Iran's armed forces announced that the Iranian Navy successfully compelled two US Navy destroyers to retreat from the Gulf of Oman after they allegedly violated designated maritime boundaries, underscoring Tehran's determination to defend its territorial waters and strategic interests in the region.

According to a statement issued by the Iranian military, warning shots involving Qadir missile systems and Shahid Dana drones were launched toward the American destroyers USS John Finn (DDG-103) and USS Mason (DDG-87) after they crossed into areas designated by Iranian authorities.

The statement said the vessels subsequently withdrew from the Gulf of Oman and headed toward the Indian Ocean following the Iranian response.

Iranian military officials stated that the operation had broader consequences beyond the retreat of the two destroyers.

According to the statement, naval assets operating alongside the USS George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group were also forced to pull back from the area. Iranian authorities further claimed that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli departed the Gulf of Oman following the operation.

The military emphasized that Iran possesses missile systems with even greater operational reach and warned that stronger measures would be employed if foreign forces continue what Tehran describes as provocations near Iranian waters.

The latest announcement follows an earlier statement issued by the Iranian Army on June 3, which said Iranian naval forces had targeted a US command-and-control center aboard an American destroyer operating in the Sea of Oman.

According to Iran's military, the vessel was involved in hostile actions against Iranian commercial shipping and had played a role in attacks on Iranian merchant vessels in the region.

The Iranian Army's Public Relations Office said the operation was launched immediately after military forces identified the source of the alleged attacks.

Iranian officials stated that the targeted destroyer was preparing to approach Iranian territorial waters when it came under Iranian surveillance and response measures.

Iranian military authorities reiterated that the country's naval forces remain on high alert and continue to closely monitor what they described as US and Israeli military activities in regional waters.

The statement emphasized that Tehran would respond decisively to any future acts of aggression and vowed to avenge the deaths of crew members aboard the Iranian destroyer Dena, which Iranian officials blame on hostile actions by foreign adversaries.

The incidents come amid heightened tensions following Iran's announcement on May 21 establishing a maritime control zone in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iranian authorities have since declared that commercial vessels, oil tankers, and foreign naval ships seeking passage through the area must comply with designated routes and obtain authorization from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy.

Tehran has described the measure as necessary to safeguard maritime security and ensure stability in one of the world's most important energy corridors.

Iranian officials maintain that the country's naval forces are fully prepared to defend national sovereignty and protect international shipping routes against what they characterize as destabilizing foreign military activities in the region. (ILKHA)