The US has struck Iran again, the Strait of Hormuz has been closed.
The US has struck Iranian territory for the third time in a week. The attack on a civilian ship in the Strait of Hormuz was cited as the reason.
The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that it launched another series of strikes on Iranian territory on the night of July 12, as reported by Point.md.
According to a CENTCOM statement, the strikes were carried out in response to an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the GFS Galaxy container ship, which was sailing under the Cypriot flag through the Strait of Hormuz. According to US military sources, one crew member is missing, and due to a fire on board and severe damage to the engine room, the vessel is unable to continue its voyage.
Iran's Press TV channel reported that air defense systems were activated in Tehran, and explosions were heard in the cities of Sirik, Konarak, Chabahar, Jask, and Bandar Abbas.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth emphasized that Iran "made the wrong choice" and is now facing the consequences.
Meanwhile, the IRGC stated that warning shots were fired at the vessel moving through the Strait of Hormuz because it failed to follow the route designated by Iran. The Iranian side announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until US military operations in the region cease and warned that if strikes continue, new attacks could be launched against US military bases in the Middle East.
For context, on June 17, the US and Iran signed a circular agreement providing for a cessation of hostilities and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. However, tensions between the parties escalated again after an attack on a civilian tanker in the strait on June 25. On July 8, US President Donald Trump announced that the memorandum with Iran was no longer in effect.
