Washington, July 12: The United States on Saturday launched a third round of military strikes against Iran after accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), the vessel suffered significant engine room damage and an onboard fire during the incident, leaving it unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member has been reported missing.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the strikes were carried out after Iran allegedly failed to comply with commitments made under a previously agreed Memorandum of Understanding following earlier attacks on commercial shipping. It stated that the operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to target civilian vessels transiting the strategic waterway.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also reacted to the operation, stating that Iran would face the consequences of its actions.
The strikes came hours after the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice,” saying the decision was taken in response to what it described as foreign interference in the region. The IRGC stated that no vessel would be allowed to pass through the strait and warned that any further military action against Iran would be met with a response, adding that additional regional military bases could be targeted if hostilities continued.
The IRGC also held the United States, Israel, and countries hosting US military facilities responsible for any consequences arising from the situation.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to ease tensions continued. Qatari officials travelled to Iran to support efforts aimed at reducing the crisis and creating conditions for renewed US-Iran dialogue.
Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi also met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat on Saturday. According to Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the two sides discussed bilateral relations, regional developments, and measures to ensure the safe passage of ships in accordance with Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding. Oman reiterated its support for diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions.