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Tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz after US military strikes and Iranian retaliation

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Posted Sep 12, 2026, 09:30 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-12-0930
Tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz after US military strikes and Iranian retaliation
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces destroyed five Iranian vessels near Larak Island, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile strikes against American bases in Jordan.

Military confrontations between the United States and Iran have intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following recent naval engagements. United States Central Command stated its forces destroyed five Revolutionary Guard vessels to prevent mine-laying operations in the strategic corridor. Iranian military officials refuted the claim, describing assertions regarding mine deployment as "pura fantasia".

In response, Tehran fired 20 missiles targeting American military bases in Jordan. Iranian state broadcasts also claimed strikes on six maritime vessels, including three oil tankers and an aircraft carrier, where a shipboard fire was subsequently contained.

United States President Donald Trump asserted that the maritime corridor remains open and claimed Iranian authorities face severe difficulties. Meanwhile, American intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces may pursue further military escalation.

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

How outlets assessed this

  • Nov 3, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Skeptical Emphasized US assurances that Tehran faces severe difficulties and that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to maritime traffic.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Focused on Iranian claims of successful strikes against US naval assets and intelligence warnings of escalating Revolutionary Guard confidence.
  • Nov 4, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Focused on U.S. statements minimizing damage and confirming that maritime fires were contained and shipping lanes remained open.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian missile strike claims and intelligence warnings that Revolutionary Guards feel emboldened to escalate the conflict.
  • Nov 4, 2026, 01:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasised U.S. assertions that the strait remains open and reported on the containment of a damaged tanker's fire.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iran's claims of targeting U.S. ships and U.S. intelligence warnings regarding potential conflict escalation.
  • Nov 4, 2026, 07:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized U.S. statements asserting that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Iran is facing severe internal hardship.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of striking U.S. naval vessels and cited intelligence warnings regarding an increasingly aggressive Revolutionary Guard.
  • Nov 5, 2026, 01:30 AM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Framed the situation around Washington's claims that the passage remains open and fires aboard vessels were contained.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Emphasized Iranian claims of striking U.S. vessels and intelligence warnings that Revolutionary Guards feel empowered.
  • Nov 5, 2026, 06:30 AM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Framed the situation around U.S. assertions that shipping routes remain open and noted that a tanker fire was put out.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of striking U.S. vessels and carrier, alongside U.S. intelligence warnings of heightened escalation risks.
  • Nov 5, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized U.S. assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open alongside reports of localized fire containment.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of hitting U.S. naval targets and intelligence warnings of potential IRGC escalation.

Sources

Earlier coverage

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