US Strikes Iran for Third Time After Attack on Civilian Vessel in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has initiated a third round of strikes against Iran in response to an attack on a civilian ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday.

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Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but has again failed.

A crew member from the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy is reported missing. The vessel sustained significant engine room damage and a fire, leaving it stranded in the strait. CENTCOM stated that Iran was given another chance to adhere to a Memorandum of Understanding after previous attacks on commercial vessels but failed to do so.

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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.

"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," CENTCOM's statement read. Explosions were reportedly heard in Iranian port cities including Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island, which hosts an underground Iranian missile base.

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A vessel that had jeopardised maritime security by switching off its systems was struck and brought to a halt.

Earlier, Iran acknowledged the attack, stating it considered the Strait of Hormuz closed "until further notice" after the GFS Galaxy allegedly traveled on an unapproved route. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps navy claimed the vessel had "jeopardised maritime security by switching off its systems" and warned that any retaliation would be met with a "severe response."

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The Strait of Hormuz is closed until further notice.