U.S. Central Command announced strikes against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz area, marking the third round of attacks this week. The action follows an Iranian assault on a Cyprus‑flagged container ship earlier in the day. A civilian crew member is reported missing after the vessel suffered fire and engine damage.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the Strait of Hormuz closed “until further notice” after the incident involving the vessel M/V GFS Galaxy. The closure was announced shortly after the attack, which included missile fire that damaged the cargo ship. The move escalated tensions in one of the world’s critical maritime chokepoints.
The U.S. strikes targeted a series of Iranian military facilities, including air‑surveillance radars, missile and UAV storage sites, launch areas, maritime surveillance equipment, and ground‑to‑air missile launchers. Officials said the operation was ordered by the Commander in Chief to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten commercial traffic. The attacks began just after 7:00 p.m. Eastern time.
Iran had been given multiple opportunities to comply with a memorandum of understanding on maritime security, but the statement indicated it had repeatedly failed to do so. The U.S. statement framed the strikes as a response to Iran’s pattern of attacking commercial vessels. The goal is to impose a “heavy cost” on Tehran’s military capabilities.
President Trump warned earlier that the United States had “1,000 missiles locked and loaded” and that the ceasefire was over. He also said the U.S. was willing to continue negotiations, but the truce would not be reinstated. The comments underscored the administration’s stance that military pressure would accompany diplomatic outreach.
The latest round of strikes adds to a series of recent U.S. actions against Iranian targets in the region. The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to exchange statements. Observers warn that the Strait’s closure could disrupt global shipping and oil supplies.
