The United States has carried out a third round of military strikes against Iran-linked targets this week after accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking a commercial cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the report, the operation began at about 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time, with U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) targeting facilities and equipment it said were connected to the IRGC following the reported attack on the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the strategic waterway.
U.S. officials said one civilian crew member remains missing following the incident. The vessel also sustained significant damage after a fire broke out in its engine room, leaving it unable to continue its voyage.
In a statement, CENTCOM said Iran had been warned after previous incidents involving commercial vessels in the region but alleged that Tehran failed to alter its actions, prompting the latest military response.
According to the U.S. military, the strikes were intended to degrade Iran’s ability to carry out attacks on civilian shipping and help ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. CENTCOM added that the operation was conducted under the authority of the U.S. Commander in Chief.
Iran had not publicly responded to the latest U.S. claims or the reported strikes at the time of reporting.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors, handling a significant share of global oil exports and international trade. Any disruption to shipping in the waterway can have far-reaching implications for global energy markets and supply chains.
