US Launches Third Round of Airstrikes on Iran After Alleged Attack on Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz

US Launches Third Round of Airstrikes on Iran After Alleged Attack on Cargo Ship in Strait of Hormuz

The United States has launched a third round of military strikes against Iran this week following an alleged attack on a commercial cargo vessel in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. officials.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said operations began at approximately 7:15 p.m. ET after forces linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly targeted the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.

According to U.S. officials, the attack left one civilian crew member missing, sparked a major onboard fire, and caused extensive damage to the ship's engine room, preventing the vessel from continuing its voyage.

US Says Iran Ignored Previous Warnings

The United States said Iran had been given multiple opportunities to comply with a previously established Memorandum of Understanding following earlier incidents involving commercial shipping.

Officials accused Tehran of failing to honor those commitments, prompting Washington to authorize additional military action aimed at reducing Iran's capability to threaten civilian vessels operating in the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump Administration Orders Fresh Military Response

The latest strikes were carried out under the direction of the Commander in Chief, with U.S. officials stating that the objective is to weaken Iran's ability to conduct future attacks against commercial shipping and civilian mariners.

CENTCOM said the operation is focused on protecting freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime corridor through which a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas exports passes each day.

Strait of Hormuz Remains Global Flashpoint

The Strait of Hormuz has long been one of the world's most sensitive geopolitical hotspots. Any disruption to shipping in the region can have major consequences for global energy markets, international trade, and regional security.

The latest escalation raises fresh concerns about the possibility of broader conflict in the Middle East as tensions between the United States and Iran continue to intensify.

Key Highlights

- U.S. launches third round of strikes against Iran this week.

- CENTCOM says the action follows an alleged IRGC attack on the Cyprus-flagged M/V GFS Galaxy.

- One civilian crew member is reportedly missing.

- The vessel suffered a fire and severe engine room damage.

- Washington says the strikes are intended to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping.

- The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most critical maritime trade