Attacks in Strait of Hormuz Intensify as Trump Weighs Major Strike on Iran

September 18, 2026 — Tensions in the Persian Gulf escalated further on Friday after a tanker was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, just hours after another vessel came under fire in the same vital waterway. The incidents occur as President Donald Trump signals he is preparing a significant military decision regarding Iran.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported that a tanker was hit by an “unknown projectile” in the strait, sparking a fire that was subsequently extinguished. While the crew remained safe, the environmental impact of the attack has not yet been confirmed. The UK naval agency also confirmed that a separate tanker was struck on Wednesday, September 16, while transiting outbound from the Hormuz.

In response to one of the incidents, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for targeting a Togo-flagged ship, alleging it was attempting an “illegal crossing.” The IRGC stated the vessel was hit after Iran ordered commercial ships to seek permission and utilize regime-approved routes. It remains unclear whether the IRGC claim is linked to the specific attacks reported by the UKMTO.

President Trump addressed the escalating situation on Thursday, telling Axios that he faces a “big decision” on whether to launch a major offensive to “annihilate” the Iranian regime. “Do I want to go in and annihilate them or do I not? It’s a big decision. Anything could happen with me,” Trump said. His comments precede a planned meeting next week with leaders from Persian Gulf states, many of which host U.S. military forces and have been targeted by Iran in retaliation for the war initiated jointly by the U.S. and Israel in late February.

U.S. officials disclosed that Iranian forces have downed at least two American MQ-1 unmanned aircraft in recent days. While the specific variants—whether the retired Predator or the Army-operated Gray Eagle—and the locations of the shootdowns were not identified, the losses highlight the risks to surveillance operations in the region.

Internationally, diplomatic efforts faced setbacks as Russia and China vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution on Thursday. The proposed resolution would have extended the mandate of U.N. experts tasked with monitoring sanctions reimposed on Iran in September 2025 following a “snapback” mechanism activation. The veto defeats a U.S.-drafted proposal aimed at isolating Tehran, even as the more than six-month conflict has reached a stalemate.

In a contrasting development, the State Department confirmed it approved visas for Iran’s core delegation, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, to attend the U.N. General Assembly next week. Despite the ongoing hostilities and lack of progress in negotiations, the U.S. maintained it is fulfilling its host country obligations, though the delegation faces travel restrictions and will be smaller than previous years.

Meanwhile, the U.S. announced a major arms sale to Saudi Arabia, approving the export of 48 F-35A Lightning II fighter jets for approximately $24.3 billion. The State Department stated the acquisition would strengthen Saudi homeland defense and improve interoperability with U.S. and NATO forces.

Additionally, a U.N.-commissioned panel of human rights experts stated on Thursday that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe two initial U.S. strikes on Iran earlier in the conflict may constitute war crimes.