US and Iranian forces exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz

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Posted Sep 23, 2026, 07:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-23-1900
US and Iranian forces exchange strikes near Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Corriere della Sera

Military hostilities between the US and Iran have escalated near the Strait of Hormuz following a series of mutual retaliatory strikes.

Military hostilities between the United States and Iran have re-escalated near the Strait of Hormuz following a series of retaliatory strikes. According to US Central Command, American forces destroyed five vessels belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard after an alleged attempt to target US Navy ships. In response, Iranian state media reported that Tehran launched 20 missiles at US military installations in Jordan and struck six vessels, including an aircraft carrier and three oil tankers. Firefighters successfully extinguished a fire aboard one hit tanker.

Despite the ongoing exchanges, US President Donald Trump stated that maritime transit through the strategic waterway remains open, asserting that "Tehran is in severe difficulty." However, US intelligence assessments warn that Iranian forces could attempt to escalate the confrontation further across the region.

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

How outlets assessed this

    • Corriere della Sera Cautious Emphasized Washington's claims that the Strait of Hormuz remains open and that Iranian forces face severe difficulties.
    • La Repubblica Alarmed Focused on Tehran's reported naval strikes and warnings from US intelligence regarding potential Iranian escalation.
    • 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

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