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US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise

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Posted Sep 10, 2026, 09:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-10-0900
US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces sunk five Iranian tankers near the Strait of Hormuz, prompting missile retaliations from Tehran as regional hostilities escalate.

Tensions between Washington and Tehran have escalated following renewed military clashes near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Central Command reported sinking five Iranian Revolutionary Guard tankers to block alleged mine-laying activities in the waterway. An Iranian military official denied the rationale, describing the assertion as "pura fantasia" and asserting the battle had no connection to naval mines.

Tehran launched retaliatory strikes, claiming to have hit six vessels, including three American ships, while firing 20 missiles at U.S. bases in Jordan and targeting an aircraft carrier. Although U.S. President Donald Trump declared that the maritime corridor remains open, U.S. intelligence agencies warned that hardline elements within the Revolutionary Guard may escalate hostilities further.

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

How outlets assessed this

    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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.
    • 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

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