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KARACHI, September 5, 2026: Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified after Iranian media reported that a US missile struck an oil tanker near Kharg Island.
Iran’s Student News Agency described the vessel as a “small vessel.” It reported that no casualties were recorded.
Kharg Island plays a major role in Iran’s oil export network. The island is reported to handle around 90% to 95% of Iran’s crude exports.
The reported strike comes amid escalating military tensions between Washington and Tehran. The conflict has also raised concerns over energy supplies and freedom of navigation in the region.
The reported tanker strike occurred near Kharg Island, one of Iran’s most important oil export facilities.
US President Donald Trump had previously threatened to take control of the island. However, Iranian media did not report casualties from Saturday’s incident.
Tensions have risen since US and Israeli attacks on Iran began on February 28. Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and US interests across the region.
Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding on June 18 concerning navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. However, implementation has reportedly stalled because of disagreements over security arrangements.
Meanwhile, US authorities are investigating leaks involving American weapons stocks and military readiness.
According to media reports, US investigators administered polygraph tests to around 50 military officers and civilian officials in August.
The investigation reportedly focused on personnel connected to the Joint Staff. The group includes senior military leaders who advise the US president.
The New York Times reported that investigators were examining leaks concerning shortages of long-range missiles and Patriot interceptors. The reported shortages were linked to the war with Iran.
CBS News reported that the FBI did not conduct the polygraph tests. Instead, military investigators handled the internal inquiry.
Not all senior military leaders were tested. General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, was reportedly excluded from the investigation.
US President Donald Trump has reportedly expressed anger over the unauthorised disclosures.
According to CBS News, no officials failed the polygraph questions aimed at identifying potential media leakers.
Investigators also reportedly examined whether a government official could have been working as a foreign spy. Access to detailed information about US munitions stocks was reportedly restricted.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the department does not comment on internal personnel or investigative matters.
However, he said the Pentagon takes classified leaks seriously and investigates them.
Trump has rejected reports of strategic weapons shortages. He has insisted that the US military has “massive amounts” of weaponry.
The president also described the disclosures as “treasonous statements” and “fake news.” He warned that those responsible would face severe punishment.
The polygraph investigation followed other unauthorised disclosures.
One leak reportedly involved part of the Secretary of Defence Orders Book. The document showed six four-star military leaders expressing dissent over the continuation of large-scale operations against Iran.
According to the reported document, the officers warned that the war was “unsustainable” and could weaken US global military readiness.
Parnell condemned the leak as a crime and a betrayal of the armed forces. He also said some reporting based on the document was inaccurate.
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The investigation comes as some US lawmakers question the administration’s public statements about the conflict.
US Congressman Ted Lieu challenged the Trump administration’s description of Iran as a “failed state.”
Speaking to US broadcaster MS Now, Lieu questioned how Iran could continue launching drones and missiles against US bases and regional allies if it had effectively failed.
He also raised concerns about rising fuel prices in the United States.
“The White House is clearly not telling the truth,” Lieu said, according to Al Jazeera. He called on the administration to provide Americans with a clearer explanation of the conflict and its exit strategy.
Separately, Axios reported that the Trump administration is drafting a post-war plan for the Middle East.
The plan remains in its early stages. However, it is reportedly intended to guide US policy in the region after the war with Iran ends.
The developments underline the widening political, military and economic consequences of the US-Iran conflict.
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