Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Tanker Reportedly Hit by US Missiles Near Kharg Island
Several explosions were reported near Kharg Island in Iran on Saturday.
Tasnim said that a tanker was hit by four missiles fired by US forces.
It also said the crew was being evacuated and that no one had been reported hurt.
Other Iranian news agencies reported that a tanker may have been targeted.
Fars said it heard explosions but saw no smoke and did not know what caused them.
This means the details of the incident were not yet certain.
Kharg Island is important because it is Iran’s main oil-export terminal.
The reports came during a wider conflict and blockade involving Iran and the United States.
Tasnim reported that an Iranian tanker was hit by four US missiles near Kharg Island’s anchorage.
Local sources cited by Tasnim said there were no casualties and the tanker’s crew was being evacuated.
Fars reported hearing several explosions but said no smoke was visible and their origin was unknown.
SNN and Nournews separately reported unconfirmed claims that US forces targeted an Iranian tanker.
Iranian authorities and US Central Command had not immediately confirmed the reported attack.
- Who
- Tasnim, Fars, SNN and Nournews reported the incident; Tasnim attributed the alleged strike to US forces.
- What
- Several explosions were reported near Kharg Island, and Tasnim said an Iranian tanker was hit by four US missiles.
- When
- Saturday; the reports also referenced earlier US strikes, threats or discussions involving Kharg Island in March, April, June and August.
- Where
- Near the anchorage of Kharg Island in the northern Persian Gulf, about 20 miles off Iran’s coast.
- Why
- The immediate cause of the explosions and any tanker damage remained disputed. Kharg Island is a strategically important Iranian oil-export hub.
Reports Indicating a US Attack
Confirmation Still Pending
Whether a tanker was struck
Reports Indicating a US Attack
Tasnim reported that an Iranian tanker was hit by four US missiles, while SNN and Nournews reported claims that US forces targeted a tanker.
Confirmation Still Pending
Fars said the explosions’ origin was unknown, no smoke was visible, and Iranian authorities had not officially confirmed a tanker strike.
Extent of US action at Kharg
Reports Indicating a US Attack
The reports cited previous US strikes, threats and discussions concerning Kharg Island, including statements about possible military action against the strategic site.
Confirmation Still Pending
A US official previously said reported strikes on Kharg targeted military sites rather than oil infrastructure, while US Central Command had not confirmed the latest incident.
Damage and casualties
Reports Indicating a US Attack
Tasnim’s account that the tanker was hit and its crew evacuated indicated an incident at the island’s anchorage.
Confirmation Still Pending
Tasnim’s sources reported no casualties, and Fars’s correspondent saw no smoke, leaving the extent of damage unclear.
- Reported attacker
- Tasnim attributed the alleged tanker strike to US forces.
- Reported weapon
- Tasnim said the tanker was hit by four US missiles.
- Casualties
- Local sources cited by Tasnim reported no casualties.
- Crew status
- The tanker’s crew was reportedly being evacuated.
- Conflicting account
- Fars said explosions were heard, but no smoke was visible and their origin was unknown.
- Oil importance
- The reports said Kharg Island handled roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports before the war.
- Official response
- Iranian authorities had made no immediate official announcement, and US Central Command had not immediately commented.
