Image Source, Reuters
Following Tehran’s attack on tanker vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the US has initiated new operations against Iran.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the closure of the strategic waterway until further notice.
Government media sources stated that the attack was launched after a tanker vessel violated regulations by turning off its tracking systems and deviating from approved shipping lanes in the area.
The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the IRGC directly attacked a Cyprus-flagged vessel, prompting the third phase of military strikes this week.
CENTCOM specified that the US strikes have targeted 140 Iranian military sites, including missile and drone installations, communication networks, and coastal surveillance posts.
Tensions have escalated with attacks from both sides following incidents earlier this week involving assaults on three commercial tankers.
What the US Says
According to CENTCOM, the MV GFS Galaxy suffered significant damage and is currently unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member is reported missing.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that military personnel compelled the crew to abandon the vessel, and they are currently in lifeboats.
“After Iran was held responsible for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, another opportunity was given but Iran failed again,” CENTCOM stated in a release on X (formerly Twitter).
Sharing the statement, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said: “Iran made a bad decision and now it will face the consequences.”
Iranian Warning
After a cruise missile hit a vessel attempting to navigate an unauthorized route early Sunday, Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice.
Government sources reported that repeated disregard for issued directives led the IRGC to enforce the warning by attacking the vessel.
Tehran has warned that any American attack in response to its closure will be met with serious retaliation, targeting new security risks in the region.
Earlier last week, attacks occurred on three commercial tankers attempting to pass through routes recommended by the US via the Omani waterway.
Iran has consistently claimed that only its separate, officially designated safe route from its territorial waters is recognized.
Timeline
According to Iranian officials, US strikes following these incidents have resulted in 17 deaths and 115 injuries. Iran has retaliated by targeting US allies in the Gulf.
Following the provocative Iranian attacks, US President Donald Trump announced the end of the ceasefire, leading to intensified attacks from both sides. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the US of violating agreements.
Nonetheless, Trump has expressed willingness to reinstate negotiations, with mediators attempting to revive the process.
US media outlets have reported that Iran has acknowledged mistakes in the tanker attacks and attributed blame to internal factions.
