On 2026-09-05, Iranian media focused on the US military's destruction of three IRGC-linked oil tankers in response to missile attacks on US warships. The story broke in the early afternoon, with CENTCOM confirming the strikes and releasing footage. State-aligned outlets like Tasnim reported the IRGC's retaliation against US-affiliated vessels, while foreign Persian-language media (BBC Persian, VOA Persian, Iran International, Radio Farda) covered the US account and Iran's condemnation. Throughout the day, the narrative evolved from initial reports of a tanker strike near Kharg Island to a tit-for-tat exchange, with US Defense Secretary Hegseth warning Iran against further attacks. Economic concerns persisted, with Kayhan London reporting the dollar nearing 230,000 tomans. Reformist Shargh Daily led with the death of intellectual Javad Mojabi, while state media also highlighted regional resistance and domestic issues.