US Launches Third Wave of Strikes on Iran After Attack on Ship in Strait of Hormuz
The US Central Command has conducted a third series of strikes on Iran this week in response to an Iranian Revolutionary Guard attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz. One civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel is disabled.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it has begun a third series of strikes against targets in Iran this week. The strikes are retaliation for an attack by units of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy, sailing under the Cypriot flag through the Strait of Hormuz. One civilian crew member is missing and presumed lost; the ship cannot proceed due to a fire and severe damage to its engine room.
CENTCOM emphasized that the US is taking firm action to protect civilian mariners and ensure free commercial navigation. The order for the strikes was personally given by the US President. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote on social media: "Iran made a bad choice. Now it will pay."
Background: On June 17, the US and Iran signed a Memorandum of Understanding in Islamabad intended to end the active phase of the war between the two countries. The document, mediated by Pakistan, stipulated a ceasefire, lifting of the US naval blockade on Iran, restoration of free navigation, and a 60-day period to develop a permanent agreement. However, in early July, Iranian forces resumed attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. On July 10, the US presidential administration set a strict deadline for Iran to restore safe navigation, demanding that Tehran publicly announce the opening of the strait by the end of July 11 and commit to ceasing attacks on commercial shipping. On the night of July 12, IRCG forces attacked another commercial cargo ship, after which Iranian authorities declared the strait closed to all traffic "until further notice."
