The US military says its forces carried out a major operation around the Strait of Hormuz on September 1.
According to the US military, American forces struck about 60 Iranian military targets. They also escorted 40 commercial vessels safely through the strategic waterway.
The ships were carrying about 18 million barrels of oil in total, according to the US account.
The operation also involved efforts to protect the vessels from Iranian drone attacks. US forces said they also neutralized anti-ship cruise missiles during the mission.
Iranian Military Targets Hit
US officials said the strikes targeted Iranian military capabilities around the Strait of Hormuz.
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The targets reportedly included air defense systems, radar installations, naval facilities, communications centers and sites linked to Iran’s alleged ability to deploy naval mines.
The US military said the operation aimed to protect commercial shipping while reducing threats to vessels using the waterway.
Iran Reports Military Casualties
Iranian state-linked media have also reported casualties from the September 1 US strikes.
Tasnim News Agency reported that 21 people were killed. The figure included six naval personnel and three pilots. More than 140 people were reportedly wounded.
Recent Tasnim reports have also covered funeral ceremonies for three Iranian personnel killed on Larak Island.
However, other reports suggest the actual military death toll could be higher.
The Associated Press, citing Iranian officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, reported that 14 Iranian military and paramilitary personnel had been killed and 108 wounded in the latest US attacks.
The different figures could reflect separate reporting periods or different methods of counting casualties.
Disputed Reports of Civilian Deaths
One of the most closely watched incidents involved an alleged US missile strike on a wedding gathering in Kohestak, southern Iran.
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Iranian officials said women and children were among those killed and that dozens of people were wounded.
The Associated Press initially cited sources who reported four deaths and more than 60 injuries from the incident.
US Central Command has denied deliberately targeting civilians.
US officials said American operations focused on Iranian military capabilities, air defenses, radar systems and preparations for laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz.
Rising Tensions Around Hormuz
The latest operation comes as tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified again.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began in February 2026, according to the account provided by Iranian authorities. A ceasefire and diplomatic efforts in June reduced some fighting, but tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continued.
The United States also carried out strikes on Iranian military and naval facilities in July. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting US bases and facilities linked to American allies in the region.
Tensions rose again in late August. The latest direct military actions have increased fears that the conflict could develop into a wider regional war.
Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important energy routes.
Before the conflict, roughly 20 million barrels of oil passed through the waterway each day. The route connects the Persian Gulf with global energy markets.
Iran has maintained that the waterway is under its control and has restricted shipping during the conflict. Any prolonged disruption could affect global oil supplies, shipping costs and energy prices.
The US operation to escort 40 commercial vessels therefore carries significance beyond the immediate military confrontation. It also highlights the growing struggle over control and security in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
