Washington: Eight US Marines were injured when an Iranian cruise missile struck a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on 14 September, reported on Sunday, according to US officials. The attack had not previously been publicly detailed.

The Marines suffered smoke inhalation and possible traumatic brain injuries, presenting with concussion like symptoms such as headaches.

None were seriously injured, and all eight returned to duty soon afterwards, according to the officials. They did not identify the vessel but said it was not a US Navy ship.

The injuries were entered into a Pentagon casualty database nearly 10 days after the attack. A US official said some symptoms can appear later and the database is not updated in real time. The reported circumstances of the strike have not been independently confirmed.

The Strait of Hormuz links the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is a major route for energy shipments.

Fighting around the passage has continued while Washington and Tehran discuss proposals to restore shipping through it. The newly reported injuries show that US personnel were caught in an attack there earlier this month, even as diplomatic efforts proceeded.