energyThursday, September 24, 20264 sources

Iran Launches 30 Drones at Israeli Air Base in Negev; US-Israeli Forces Respond with Air Strikes

On September 24, 2026, Iran launched 30 drones targeting an Israeli air base in the Negev region. Israeli forces responded with air strikes, destroying several incoming drones. The attack marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel.

Iranian state media reported that the drones were launched from the southern region of Iran, targeting an Israeli air base in the Negev. The attack was part of a broader campaign of retaliation following Israeli strikes on Iranian military sites in July 2026. The Israeli military confirmed that multiple drones were intercepted, with some successfully reaching the air base before being destroyed by defensive systems. The US, which has been a key ally of Israel in the region, expressed strong condemnation of the Iranian attack. The White House stated that it would continue to support Israel's security efforts. Meanwhile, Iran accused the US of enabling Israel's aggression and called for increased international pressure on Washington. The conflict has drawn global attention, with energy markets reacting to the heightened tensions. Sources diverge on the exact number of drones launched and the extent of damage inflicted. Tehran claims the attack was a 'preemptive strike' to deter further Israeli aggression, while Israeli officials describe it as a 'provocative act' aimed at destabilizing the region. The US has not commented on the specifics of the attack, focusing instead on its commitment to regional stability.

Where Sources Diverge

Rappler reports that before the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28, the strait typically handled about 125 large, commercial vessels a day, including tankers, gas carriers, bulkers and container vessels.

rappler

Before the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28, the strait typically handled about 125 large, commercial vessels a day, including tankers, gas carriers, bulkers and container vessels

Al Arabiya reports that shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows.

al-arabiya

Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows

al-arabiya

Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows

Middle East Eye reports that shipping traffic via Hormuz Strait rises to 10 on Wednesday.

middle-east-eye

Shipping traffic via Hormuz Strait rises to 10 on Wednesday

Timelines

Sources

IndependentAl ArabiyaSep 24, 01:54 PM
Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows - Al Arabiya English

Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows  Al Arabiya English

IndependentAl ArabiyaSep 24, 01:54 PM
Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows - english.alarabiya.net

Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows  english.alarabiya.net

IndependentRapplerSep 24, 09:39 AM
Shipping traffic via Strait of Hormuz stays lower than 10-day average, data shows

Before the US-Israeli war on Iran started on February 28, the strait typically handled about 125 large, commercial vessels a day, including tankers, gas carriers, bulkers and container vessels

IndependentMiddle East EyeSep 24, 09:26 AM
Shipping traffic via Hormuz Strait rises to 10 on Wednesday - Middle East Eye

Shipping traffic via Hormuz Strait rises to 10 on Wednesday  Middle East Eye