Iran Struck 'US-contracted Vessel', US Personnel Injured: Fox News

By Al Mayadeen English

16 Sep 2026 23:29

A US-contracted vessel was hit by Iranian drones and at least one missile near the Strait of Hormuz, causing minor injuries, sources told Fox News.

A US-contracted vessel was hit during an Iranian attack earlier this week, two sources told Fox News on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around the Strait of Hormuz, and involved four Iranian drones and at least one missile. One of the projectiles struck the vessel and caused minor injuries, including smoke inhalation, which are being treated in a Gulf country, and some US personnel were onboard.

The belated disclosure raises serious questions about why the incident was concealed and what US personnel were doing aboard a vessel presented as a civilian oil tanker.

The ship’s US contract, the personnel’s roles and the nature of its mission remain unexplained, fueling suspicions that ostensibly civilian shipping was being used to support American military or intelligence operations near the Strait of Hormuz.

Earlier, Iran told the United States that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until seven conditions approved by the country's top officials are met, Tasnim News Agency reported on September 12, citing an informed source.

"Until these seven conditions, which have been approved by Iran's top officials, are met, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed," the source told Tasnim.

Supertanker hits mines in Strait of Hormuz

Earlier on September 14, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced that a supertanker struck mines in the Strait of Hormuz after it decided to travel via illegal routes.

"The supertanker Algaya, IMO number 9325336, which was attempting to cross the prohibited zone south of the Strait of Hormuz, exploded after striking naval mines," the IRGC Navy said in a statement.

The IRGC Navy added that the tanker was set ablaze after hitting the mine, noting that "efforts to contain the fire have been unsuccessful, and the entire tanker is engulfed in flames."

It added that warnings had been repeatedly issued before the Algaya incident about using these illegal passageways.

The IRGC Navy reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and continues to be under the authority of the Islamic Republic.