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US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC "blatantly" attacks Cyprus flagged ship in Hormuz
🇴🇲 Oman /Conflict & Security

US launches fresh strikes on Iran after IRGC "blatantly" attacks Cyprus flagged ship in Hormuz

From Times of Oman · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • The US launched a third round of strikes against Iran after the IRGC attacked a Cyprus-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The M/V GFS Galaxy sustained fire and engine damage, with a civilian crew member missing.
  • The US stated Iran failed to adhere to agreements and is imposing costs to degrade its ability to attack commercial vessels.

The United States conducted a third series of strikes against Iran this week, responding to an alleged attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed the strikes began Saturday evening.

According to CENTCOM, the M/V GFS Galaxy suffered onboard fire and significant engine room damage, rendering it unable to continue its journey. A civilian crew member remains missing following the incident. CENTCOM stated that Iran had been given an opportunity to adhere to a Memorandum of Understanding after previous attacks on commercial vessels but "again failed."

At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

— US Central Command (CENTCOM)Announcing the latest US strikes against Iran.

"In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait," the X post stated, adding that the strikes were carried out under the direction of the Commander in Chief. US War Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced this, writing, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."

These strikes occurred just hours after the IRGC announced its own closure of the Strait of Hormuz, citing US "interference" in West Asia. The IRGC warned of a forceful response to any further aggression and held the US, Israel, and regional countries responsible for consequences. The rapid military escalations are happening concurrently with diplomatic efforts, as Qatari negotiators are in Iran attempting to ease tensions and facilitate the resumption of US-Iran talks.

Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.

— Pete HegsethUS War Secretary commenting on the strikes.
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Originally published by Times of Oman. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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