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US strikes Larak Island as diplomatic efforts continue over Strait of Hormuz

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Posted Sep 13, 2026, 04:00 PM UTC · In the digest of 2026-09-13-1600
US strikes Larak Island as diplomatic efforts continue over Strait of Hormuz
Photo: Le Monde

US forces hit Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz while Qatari negotiators pursue a US-Iran deal despite new diplomatic hurdles.

United States military forces executed airstrikes on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz, representing the first direct American strikes on Iranian territory in a month. Iranian state media confirmed that six Iranian naval soldiers died in the bombardment.

Despite the military action, Qatari officials stated that diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran are ongoing to secure a bilateral agreement. Iran also announced a provisional navigation route deal with Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, provided third parties do not interfere.

However, US President Donald Trump signaled that Washington will seek financial compensation from Tehran for historical casualties, creating additional friction in negotiations.

Sources: Le Figaro, Le Monde, Le Soir, Libération, RTBF Info.

How outlets assessed this

    • Le Monde Cautious Highlighted Qatari mediation efforts suggesting a diplomatic deal between Washington and Tehran remained possible.
    • Libération Skeptical Framed diplomatic progress as highly improbable following Donald Trump's demand for financial reparations from Tehran.
    • Le Monde Cautious Highlighted Qatari mediation efforts and reported potential progress toward a U.S.-Iran diplomatic agreement.
    • Libération Skeptical Emphasized Donald Trump's demand for Iranian compensation, framing it as a major obstacle to a swift deal.
    • Libération Skeptical Framed Trump's financial compensation demands as rendering a swift U.S.-Iran diplomatic agreement increasingly improbable.
    • Le Monde Cautious Focused on active Qatari mediation efforts and the potential for reaching a bilateral agreement.

Sources

Earlier coverage

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