Two U.S. commercial ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Monday had U.S. military security teams onboard for the first time, according to U.S. officials.

•? ? Iran targeted the vessels with missiles, drones, and armed small boats, but U.S. forces intercepted the attacks and destroyed the small boats, the Pentagon said.

•? ? The move is part of “Project Freedom,” with U.S. warships escorting commercial vessels through the strait during Iran’s blockade.

•? ? U.S. officials described the deployment as a “prudent security measure,” providing a protective security bubble with layered defenses and support from nearby warships and aircraft.