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Iran launched a cruise missile attack on a U.S. military vessel in the Strait of Hormuz approximately two weeks before the story became public, injuring eight American Marines. Three U.S. officials confirmed the incident to NBC News, revealing that the Iranian strike had not previously been reported. NBC correspondent Garrett Haake broke the story on September 28, 2026.
Iranian Cruise Missile Strikes U.S. Vessel
According to the three officials, an Iranian cruise missile struck the American vessel while it operated in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack left eight Marines injured. Officials had not disclosed the incident publicly before NBC News reported it.
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The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways. It connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman. Control and access to the strait have long been a source of tension between Iran and Western nations.
The timing of the attack adds significant weight to the disclosure. It came as broader diplomatic and military tensions between the United States and Iran remained elevated. The fact that the strike went unreported for roughly two weeks raised immediate questions about transparency and military communication.
Attack Comes Amid Ongoing U.S.-Iran Tensions
The Iranian attack occurred against a backdrop of serious friction between Washington and Tehran. Separately, President Trump rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, according to related reporting. That rejection signals a hardened U.S. position toward Iran’s influence over the critical shipping lane.
The Strait of Hormuz carries a substantial portion of the world’s oil supply. Any disruption to navigation there carries major economic and geopolitical consequences. As a result, military incidents in the area draw intense international attention.
Marines Injured in Undisclosed Strike
All eight injured service members were Marines. Officials did not immediately provide details on the severity of their injuries. However, the confirmation of casualties makes the incident one of the more serious direct confrontations between U.S. forces and Iran in recent years.
NBC News cited three separate U.S. officials in its reporting. That level of sourcing suggests the information carries credibility within government and military circles. Furthermore, the decision by multiple officials to speak about the attack indicates concern over the lack of public disclosure.
The Pentagon had not issued a public statement about the attack before NBC News published its report. The absence of an official announcement drew scrutiny. Meanwhile, the revelation intensified debate about how the U.S. government communicates military incidents involving American casualties to the public.
