A series of attacks and escalating tensions have occurred in the Persian Gulf between the US and Iran. On September 5, 2026, an Iranian tanker was hit by four US missiles near Kharg Island, a key oil export hub in the Gulf, according to the semi-official Iranian news agency Tasnim. The incident has not been officially confirmed by Iranian authorities or the US military.
A day later, on September 6, Iran claimed it had struck an unmanned US Navy vessel trying to enter the Strait of Hormuz, but the US Central Command denied this claim as a "total lie".
Tensions between the two countries have been escalating in recent weeks, with both sides engaging in a series of attacks and counter-attacks. On August 31, US President Donald Trump said that Kharg Island was being "blown to smithereens", prompting Iranian authorities to vow a strong response if the island is attacked.
In response to these incidents, Iran's Supreme National Security Council has announced plans to establish an exclusion zone outside the Strait of Hormuz, which will include vessels attempting to transit the waterway. Any ship entering this area will be placed on Iran's sanctions list.
contradicting the analysis of experts and even some of his closest advisors
