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

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Sep 22, 2026, 12:30 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-22-1230
US and Iran exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz as tensions rise
Photo: Corriere della Sera

Military friction between the US and Iran has intensified near the Strait of Hormuz following naval strikes and retaliatory missile attacks.

Escalation between the United States and Iran near the Strait of Hormuz has intensified following recent military clashes. US Central Command stated it destroyed five vessels belonging to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps after intercepting an attack on American warships.

In retaliation, Iranian state media claimed Tehran launched 20 missiles at US bases in Jordan and targeted six vessels, including an aircraft carrier. US intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could escalate the conflict further as friction persists.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed Tehran is in "great difficulty" and confirmed the strategic passage remains open after emergency crews contained a tanker fire.

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

Share