US and Iranian forces exchange strikes near strategic Strait of Hormuz

Nexus Europa Newsroom
Posted Sep 18, 2026, 12:00 AM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-18-0000
US and Iranian forces exchange strikes near strategic Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Corriere della Sera

US forces destroyed five IRGC vessels near the Strait of Hormuz while Tehran launched missile strikes at US bases in Jordan, worsening regional tensions.

Military operations near the strategic Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate following recent strikes between US forces and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). US Central Command reported destroying five IRGC vessels following an attempted assault on American naval assets, while emergency crews contained a blaze on a commercial tanker.

Tehran retaliated by launching 20 missiles at US military bases in Jordan and claimed to have struck six maritime vessels, including an aircraft carrier and oil tankers. American intelligence agencies warned that Iranian forces could escalate hostilities further as confrontations persist.

Despite the clashes, US President Donald Trump stated the critical waterway remains open, asserting that Tehran is facing severe operational difficulties.

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