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Tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz as US and Iran exchange strikes

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Posted Sep 13, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-13-1200
Tensions rise in Strait of Hormuz as US and Iran exchange strikes
Photo: Corriere della Sera

Military engagements between the US and Iran escalated around the Strait of Hormuz following strikes near Larak Island and retaliatory missile attacks.

Tensions near the Strait of Hormuz escalated after US Central Command destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels near Larak Island, claiming the action prevented mine-laying operations in the strategic waterway.

Tehran dismissed the US account, calling claims of mine-laying "pure fantasy" and denying any connection between the clashes and naval mines. Iranian forces subsequently launched 20 missiles targeting American bases in Jordan. Iranian state media also claimed strikes against six maritime vessels, including three oil tankers and a US aircraft carrier.

US President Donald Trump asserted that the strait remains open and that Iranian forces face severe operational difficulties. However, American intelligence agencies warned that the Revolutionary Guard feels emboldened and could further escalate the regional conflict.

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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