Story perspectives

Iran fires Qassem Basir at USS George Washington near Hormuz

9/9/2026

Center

Iran Launches Missiles

Iran launched ballistic missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington and a guided-missile destroyer near the Strait of Hormuz on September 5, 2026.
The launch was presented as a pre-emptive defense move showcasing Iran’s new Qassem Basir solid-fuel missile to strengthen its negotiating position.
Mohsen Rezaei said the Qassem Basir missile has a 1,200-km range and a half-ton warhead.
U.S. forces later struck three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation.

Left

Iran Missile Attack

On September 5 2026, Iran fired ballistic missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington and a guided-missile destroyer near the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional officials warned the attacks could hold the Strait’s commercial trade hostage, underscoring the vulnerability of global energy flows.
U.S. forces responded by disabling three naval mines and rerouting 94 commercial vessels.
Anwar Gargash warned no state should control the Strait, and exports not be held hostage.

History

Historical Context

In April 1988 an Iranian mine damaged U.S. frigate USS Samuel B. Roberts during Operation Earnest Will, prompting the Navy’s 18 April Operation Praying Mantis, which destroyed two Iranian oil platforms and two frigates. The strike helped force July cease-fire in Iran-Iraq War and set precedent for Strait of Hormuz flashpoints. In September 2026 Iran fired Qassem Basir missiles at carrier USS George Washington, echoing the 1988 clash.

1 of 3

Iran Launches Missiles

Iran launched ballistic missiles at the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington and a guided-missile destroyer near the Strait of Hormuz on September 5, 2026.
The launch was presented as a pre-emptive defense move showcasing Iran’s new Qassem Basir solid-fuel missile to strengthen its negotiating position.
Mohsen Rezaei said the Qassem Basir missile has a 1,200-km range and a half-ton warhead.
U.S. forces later struck three Iranian oil tankers in retaliation.

1 / 3