Middle East Tensions: US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC attack on ship in Strait of Hormuz

Washington: The United States has launched another round of military strikes against Iran after Iranian forces allegedly attacked a Cyprus-flagged commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving one crew member missing and the vessel severely damaged.

The US Central Command said the latest operation was ordered after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the M/V GFS Galaxy while it was passing through the strategically important waterway. The incident reportedly caused a fire and extensive damage to the ship’s engine room, preventing it from continuing its journey.

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Third Round of US Strikes This Week

The latest military action marks the third round of American strikes against Iran during the week. US officials said the operation was intended to reduce Tehran’s ability to target civilian sailors and commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a sharp warning following the operation, saying Iran would face consequences for its actions.

Explosions were subsequently reported at several locations across southern Iran, including areas around Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, Sirik and Qeshm Island. The exact targets and extent of damage were not immediately confirmed independently.

Iran Announces Closure of Hormuz Strait

The escalation came shortly after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again. Tehran claimed that a vessel had been traveling through an “unauthorized route” and had ignored instructions before Iranian forces fired a warning shot.

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Iran has insisted that it should control shipping routes through the strait, while Washington maintains that commercial vessels must be allowed unrestricted and toll-free passage. The waterway normally carries around one-fifth of the world’s oil supplies, making any prolonged disruption a major threat to international trade and energy markets.

Fragile Ceasefire Under Pressure

The renewed strikes have placed further pressure on the already fragile interim ceasefire between Washington and Tehran. Diplomatic discussions involving Oman are continuing, but the latest confrontation has raised fresh fears of a broader military escalation in the Gulf region.