Archive · 10 Sep 2026
Iran Expands Hormuz No-Go Zone as Oil Tops $100
Iran and the United States are involved in a growing conflict near an important sea passage.
Iran says it attacked several ships near the Strait of Hormuz.
It also made a larger area off-limits unless ships coordinate with Iran.
A maritime security organization separately reported that several ships faced disabling fire.
Iran says the United States had earlier destroyed five Iranian oil tankers.
Iran also claimed it attacked a US base in Jordan, while Jordan said it stopped 18 missiles.
The United States says its actions followed an Iranian attack on an American warship.
Oil became more expensive because people were worried that ships carrying energy might have trouble passing through the region.
Iran claimed its Revolutionary Guards attacked two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 other vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran expanded its prohibited maritime zone into parts of the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea, warning uncoordinated vessels could face sanctions.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations said several vessels had been subjected to disabling fire during ongoing military activity.
Iran said it struck a US military base in Jordan after the United States destroyed five Iranian oil tankers; Jordan said it intercepted 18 missiles.
Brent crude closed at $101.21 as the escalation raised concerns over the strategic energy route.
- Who
- Iran, the United States, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, Jordan and vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz.
- What
- Iran claimed attacks on more than a dozen vessels and expanded a prohibited maritime zone, intensifying its confrontation with the United States.
- When
- The reported actions occurred on Wednesday, September 9, 2026; the article was published September 10, 2026.
- Where
- Near the Strait of Hormuz, parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, and Jordan.
- Why
- Iran said its actions were responses to US attacks, while the United States said it acted after an Iranian attack on an American warship.
Iran's account
US and allied account
Responsibility for the escalation
Iran's account
Iran said its attacks and actions were self-defense after the United States destroyed five Iranian oil tankers and attacked Iranian interests.
US and allied account
The US military said it acted after an Iranian attack targeting an American warship; US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American forces would continue targeting Iranian tankers if Iran attacked US naval vessels.
Activity near the maritime route
Iran's account
Iran said it had attacked vessels and warned that ships entering its expanded prohibited zone without coordination could face sanctions.
US and allied account
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations separately reported that several vessels in the Gulf and Gulf of Oman had faced disabling fire during ongoing military activity.
Conflict duration
Iran's account
Iranian Guards said the war could end if Washington met demands involving Yemen, Lebanon and frozen Iranian assets.
US and allied account
Donald Trump said the war could end immediately after the US midterm elections, while US officials cited in The Wall Street Journal warned it could continue through the rest of his term.
- Brent crude closing price
- $101.21 per barrel
- Iranian maritime claims
- Two US vessels, eight oil tankers and 10 non-compliant vessels allegedly attacked
- Expanded prohibited zone
- Parts of the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea
- Reported missile interception
- Jordan said its army intercepted 18 missiles fired toward the kingdom
- Iranian tanker losses claimed by the United States
- Five Iranian oil tankers destroyed
- US election timeline
- President Donald Trump said the war could end after the November midterm elections
- Iranian conditions for ending the war
- Iranian Guards cited ending the blockade of Yemen, withdrawing Israeli forces from Lebanon and releasing frozen Iranian assets