US launches third wave of strikes on Iran after container ship attack
Photo: Several targets in the US during a new attack (Getty Images)
On the night of July 12, the US resumed strikes against Iran after Iranian forces struck one of the ships in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).
"At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz," the statement says.
According to the post, one civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel cannot continue its journey due to a fire on board and significant damage to the engine room.
CENTCOM emphasizes that Iran had been given another opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding after the country was held accountable for previous attacks on commercial vessels. However, Tehran has now failed once again.
"In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait. The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief," the command concludes.
What else is known
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth reposted the CENTCOM post and wrote: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
Meanwhile, Axios reporter Barak Ravid, citing an unnamed US official, writes that the targets of the new strikes were:
- Air surveillance radars
- Missile and drone storage facilities
- Missile and drone launchers
- Maritime surveillance radars
- Anti-aircraft missile launchers.
Background
Last night, Iran announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This came after a vessel, according to Tehran, attempted to pass through the strait via an unauthorized route. As a result, Iran launched strikes, bringing the vessel to a halt.
Earlier this week, Tehran had already attacked three merchant ships. This was followed by two nights during which the US carried out airstrikes against Iran. The tit-for-tat attacks later ceased, but, according to US President Donald Trump, the ceasefire has ended.
Media reports in recent days have stated that Washington is demanding that Tehran publicly declare that the strait is open. In addition, the parties have agreed to continue negotiations.
But it is also important to note a report by Axios stating that the White House was preparing for a multi-day or multi-week exchange of strikes between the US and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz.
