Tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz following military strikes between US and Iran

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Posted Sep 17, 2026, 07:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-17-0700
Tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz following military strikes between US and Iran
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran against American assets in the region.

Military exchanges between the United States and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following recent naval strikes. US Central Command reported destroying five vessels belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after an attempted attack on American naval assets. Iranian state media subsequently announced retaliatory strikes, claiming to have launched 20 missiles against US installations in Jordan and targeted six ships, including three tankers and an aircraft carrier.

US intelligence agencies warned that Revolutionary Guard forces could further escalate hostilities. Despite the heightened security risks, US President Donald Trump stated that the waterway remains open and described Tehran as being in "great difficulty." Meanwhile, emergency crews extinguished a fire on a damaged commercial vessel, permitting maritime traffic to proceed under heightened monitoring.

Sources: Corriere della Sera, Il Messaggero, La Repubblica.

How outlets assessed this

    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Highlighted US assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open while Iranian forces face severe difficulties.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Focused on Iranian claims of strikes against American naval assets and intelligence warnings of escalating regional conflict.
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Focuses on US President Trump's assertions that Tehran faces severe difficulties and that the Strait of Hormuz remains open.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlights Tehran's claimed attacks on American vessels and US intelligence warnings regarding potential military escalation by emboldened Iranian forces.
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Focused on US assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and Iran is facing major operational strain.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Emphasized Iranian claims of hitting six US and commercial vessels, alongside intelligence warnings of further escalation.
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized U.S. assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Iranian military forces face operational difficulties.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of hitting six vessels and U.S. intelligence warnings that Tehran could escalate the conflict further.
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized President Trump's assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Iranian forces face major operational struggles.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian military claims of successful strikes on U.S. vessels and intelligence warnings regarding potential further escalation.

Sources

Earlier coverage

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