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

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Posted Sep 20, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-20-1200
US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces destroyed Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to launch missile strikes at US bases in Jordan amid escalating regional tensions.

Tensions remain high around the Strait of Hormuz following fresh military exchanges between American and Iranian forces. US Central Command stated it destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard vessels after thwarting an assault on American ships. In response, Tehran launched 20 missiles targeting US military positions in Jordan. Iranian state media countered by claiming strikes on six vessels, including three oil tankers and a US aircraft carrier.

US President Donald Trump asserted the strategic waterway remains open, describing Tehran as being in "great difficulties." However, American intelligence warnings indicate Iranian military leaders may feel emboldened, raising fears of further escalation. Meanwhile, emergency crews extinguished a fire on an oil tanker damaged during the clashes.

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

How outlets assessed this

  • Sep 20, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized US assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Tehran faces severe difficulties.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Highlighted Iranian claims of hitting US warships and intelligence warnings that Revolutionary Guards feel emboldened.
  • Oct 15, 2026, 05:00 PM UTC
    • 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.
  • Oct 15, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC
    • 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.
  • Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 AM UTC
    • 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.
  • Oct 16, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC
    • 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.
  • Oct 16, 2026, 05:30 PM UTC
    • 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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