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US and Iranian forces exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz

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Posted Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-18-1200
US and Iranian forces exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces destroyed five Iranian vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to retaliate with missile strikes on American bases in Jordan.

Military engagements near the Strait of Hormuz have intensified following reciprocal strikes between United States and Iranian forces. According to United States Central Command, American forces destroyed five Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps vessels after an attempted strike on US naval ships. Tehran retaliated by launching 20 missiles targeting American military bases in Jordan. Iranian state media also claimed that its forces struck six vessels, including three oil tankers and an aircraft carrier.

Despite the escalation and a fire onboard an affected tanker being brought under control, US President Donald Trump stated that the maritime corridor remains operational, asserting that Iran faces severe logistical challenges. However, American intelligence agencies warned that Iranian commanders could pursue further conflict escalation.

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

How outlets assessed this

  • Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC
    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Focuses on US assertions that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and Iran is facing severe operational difficulties.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Emphasizes Iranian claims of hitting US warships and highlights intelligence warnings of potential conflict escalation.
  • 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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