AP
A man rests at a waterfront shelter while commercial ships sit anchored in the Strait of Hormuz off Bandar Abbas, Iran, on Friday, Sept. 4, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)
Iran accused the United States on Saturday of striking an Iranian oil tanker near Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, an allegation that could further inflame tensions in one of the world’s most sensitive maritime corridors. Washington did not immediately respond, but any confirmed U.S. attack could heighten the threat of renewed Iranian retaliation against American allies and interests across the Middle East.
Here is the latest on developments in the Middle East. Full coverage can be found here.
Iran says U.S. missiles hit an oil tanker near Kharg Island
Iran’s state broadcaster, the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, reported Saturday that four U.S. missiles struck a tanker roughly six miles, or 10 kilometers, from Kharg Island. The outlet said the vessel’s crew was being evacuated and that no casualties had been reported.
The report offered no evidence to support the claim and did not cite any formal statement from Iranian officials. U.S. Central Command did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Kharg Island serves as Iran’s primary oil export terminal, making it a critical hub for the country’s crude shipments and a strategic flashpoint in the Persian Gulf. The island has come under repeated attack during the U.S.-Iran conflict, including U.S. strikes on military sites there in March. Saturday’s report follows the resumption of U.S. strikes on Iranian targets after a monthlong pause, as fighting near the Strait of Hormuz has grown more intense.
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This report will be updated throughout the day as new developments emerge.
