Tensions Escalate as US Missiles Strike Iranian Tanker Near Kharg Island

An Iranian tanker has been hit by a United States missile attack near Iran’s primary oil export hub, Kharg Island, in the Persian Gulf, according to reports from the semi-official Iranian news agency, Tasnim, on Saturday (5/9).

According to a Tasnim correspondent from Kharg, the tanker was struck by four US missiles within the anchorage area of Kharg Island.

As reported by Reuters and Al Arabiya on Saturday (5/9/2026), Tasnim cited local sources stating that there were no casualties and that the tanker’s crew is being evacuated following the attack.

No official statement has been released by Iranian authorities regarding the US strike so far, and the US Central Command has not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Previously, US President Donald Trump stated on 31 August in a brief social media post, accompanied by an AI-generated video, that Kharg Island was being “torn to pieces.” Iranian authorities had previously vowed to respond harshly if Kharg were attacked.

Iran is the third-largest producer within the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and exported 90 per cent of its crude oil through Kharg Island prior to the conflict with the US and Israel. However, oil flows have been disrupted since the US-led blockade of Iranian oil exports began in mid-April.

On 11 June, Trump stated that he intended to take control of Kharg Island. However, he later indicated that the threat of US military operations there was currently cancelled, just days before Tehran and Washington signed a temporary agreement aimed at ending the war on 17 June.

The US attack on Kharg is expected to place further pressure on the Iranian oil industry and its broader economy, which is already struggling due to the US naval blockade.

The US imposed a blockade on Iranian ports after Iran effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane that carries one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, prior to the war.