US launches fresh strikes on Iran after Strait of Hormuz ship attack leaves crew member missing
The United States has launched a third wave of military strikes against Iran after a commercial cargo ship was attacked while passing through the Strait of Hormuz, raising tensions on one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said that the last action order was given after the Cypriot-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy was hit while passing through the strategic waterway.
According to CENTCOM, one crew member is still missing and the ship ran aground after a fire broke out on board and caused extensive damage to the engine room.
“Iran was given another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the Memorandum of Understanding after it was previously held responsible for attacks on commercial ships, but it failed again,” the statement said.
“In response, the United States imposes a heavy cost by continuing to weaken Iran’s ability to attack civilian sailors and commercial ships passing freely through the strait.”
Iranian media reported that there were explosions in the southern port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island in the Persian Gulf, which hosts Iran’s underground missile base.
Iranian officials previously admitted targeting the GFS Galaxy, claiming the ship had violated maritime rules by going through an unauthorized route.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said following the incident that it considered the Strait of Hormuz closed “until further notice.”
“A ship that endangered maritime security by shutting down its systems was hit and stopped,” the Revolutionary Guard navy said in a statement, warning that any retaliatory action would be met with a “harsh response.”
More to come…
