TEHRAN — June 05, 2026 : The Islamic Republic of Iran Navy has released video footage showing the launch of a Qader anti-ship cruise missile and a newly unveiled Shahid Danaye loitering munition toward two U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, USS Truxtun (DDG-103) and USS Mason (DDG-87), during a confrontation near the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Iranian military statements, the two U.S. warships attempted to enter the Persian Gulf without authorization. Iranian officials said the missile and drone launches were conducted as warning actions, leading the destroyers to alter course and return toward the Sea of Oman.
The footage provides one of the first operational views of the Shahid Danaye loitering munition, a newly introduced Iranian unmanned strike system. Defense analysts have noted that the drone shares several design characteristics with the IAI Harop loitering munition, including its overall airframe configuration and intended mission profile.
Shahid Danaye Loitering Munition
The released video highlights the Shahid Danaye alongside the Qader anti-ship missile during the reported encounter. The loitering munition is designed to remain airborne over a target area before conducting a precision strike against designated targets.
While Iranian authorities have not disclosed detailed technical specifications, the system appears intended for both maritime and ground-attack missions, adding to Iran's growing inventory of unmanned strike platforms.
Qader Anti-Ship Missile
The Qader is an Iranian-developed medium-range anti-ship cruise missile and an upgraded version of the Noor missile system. It reportedly has a range of 120 to 300 kilometers and carries a 200-kilogram high-explosive warhead.
Powered by a turbojet engine, the missile flies at low altitude over water to reduce radar detection and is designed to engage surface vessels from coastal launch positions.
Conflicting Accounts of the Incident
Iranian state media reported that the warning launches compelled USS Truxtun and USS Mason to withdraw from the area. Iranian authorities also claimed that the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli was forced to leave the region during the confrontation.
The U.S. military has disputed those claims. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), USS Truxtun and USS Mason successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf as planned.
U.S. officials stated that the destroyers encountered missiles, drones, and fast-attack boats operated by Iranian forces. CENTCOM said the warships employed layered defensive measures, including five-inch naval guns, Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS), and support from AH-64 Apache helicopters armed with Hellfire missiles and .50-caliber machine guns.
The Pentagon stated that all incoming threats were intercepted or deterred and that no U.S. vessels sustained damage or casualties during the operation.
The incident occurred in the vicinity of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints and a critical route for global energy shipments.
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