U.S. launches strikes on Iran after attacks on warships, military says

The Washington Post reports that the U.S. launched retaliatory strikes on Iran following attacks on three American naval vessels in the Persian Gulf, with U.S. Central Command characterizing them as 'self-defense strikes.' The Pentagon stated that none of the U.S. warships were damaged in the initial Iranian attacks. The reporting is sourced from named military officials and carries the credibility of the Post's national security team (Dan Lamothe and Tara Copp are established defense correspondents), though the article body is not provided for full assessment of specificity. Cross-reference with Reuters, BBC, and NBC reporting corroborates the core facts: Iran has conducted multiple attack waves using missiles, drones, and small boats in the Strait of Hormuz; Secretary of State Rubio characterized the 'offensive stage' as concluded; and a temporary ceasefire is reportedly holding, though maritime incidents continue (UK authorities report a cargo vessel struck by unknown projectile). The framing emphasizes U.S. military response to unprovoked Iranian attacks, which is factually grounded but carries implicit narrative weight. Watch for: developments in the Trump administration's stated ceasefire negotiation efforts, further Iranian response to U.S. strikes, and maritime incidents in the Strait of Hormuz, which remains contested territory for both powers.