US, Iranian forces fire at vessels in waters near Iran - Reuters

**U.S. and Iranian Forces Exchange Fire in the Strait of Hormuz**

*Date: September 5, 2026* – In a sudden escalation of tensions in the strategically vital waters near Iran, both U.S. Navy vessels and Iranian forces opened fire on each other on Monday. Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) units launched surface‑to‑air missiles at a U.S. carrier strike group operating in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the carrier’s escort ships to fire warning shots and engage the hostile launch platforms. The exchange took place within a 20‑nautical‑mile radius of the Iranian coastline, an area that has seen a rise in maritime confrontations over the past year.

In retaliation for the missile attack, the United States carried out a series of precision strikes against three Iranian oil tankers that it said were under IRGC control and were being used to transport fuel to support the militia’s operations. According to statements from the U.S. Central Command, the targeted vessels — identified as *Khalij‑Fars*, *Khalij‑Ebrahim*, and *Khalij‑Sadr* — were hit by naval missiles and air‑launched munitions, resulting in their destruction and a temporary halt to their cargo deliveries. U.S. officials stressed that the action was a defensive response aimed at neutralizing a direct threat to American warships and ensuring the free flow of maritime traffic through the chokepoint.

The incident has heightened concerns among regional and global stakeholders about a possible slide into broader conflict. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. strikes as “aggressive and illegal,” calling for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council. Washington, meanwhile, warned Tehran that any further attacks on U.S. vessels would be met with “proportionate and decisive” measures. Diplomatic channels remain active, with allied nations urging restraint while reaffirming their commitment to the safety of commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf.