US strikes 3 Iranian oil tankers after saying warships were targeted with ballistic missiles

On 6 September 2026, the United States and Iran traded fire around the Strait of Hormuz. The US struck three Iranian oil tankers after saying its warships were targeted with ballistic missiles. Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said they fired ballistic missiles at a US aircraft carrier and a destroyer and attacked a US naval drone trying to enter the strait. They also said they struck several US-linked vessels and oil tankers in retaliation for American raids. The US disputed the claim of a strike on a Navy ship, and a US official called it a 'total lie'.

Iran said it would declare a 'prohibited zone' near the strait in coming days, and the IRGC said Iran manages the strait. Lenta.ru wrote that Iran announced the full closure of the strait. The US military said it had redirected 92 ships since resuming its naval blockade of Iran.