US Launches Third Round of Strikes Against Iran Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure
Escalation follows commercial vessel incident, regional air defense engagements, and diplomatic fallout.
Image: Matt Weston / AI
Carla Rooney
The United States launched a third round of strikes against Iran on Sunday, intensifying a regional conflict after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed indefinitely.
The M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship, traversed a critical waterway via an unapproved route.
US Central Command identified the vessel, confirming its flag and type.
A civilian crew member from the M/V GFS Galaxy remains missing; the vessel sustained an onboard fire and significant engine room damage.
The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed a container ship nine nautical miles east of Oman sustained damage and a fire.
Earlier this week, three commercial vessels were struck in the strait, prompting a previous round of retaliatory strikes.
The UAE and Kuwait reported their air defenses engaging missile and drone threats; Bahrain sounded air raid sirens.
Qatar's military intercepted incoming Iranian fire.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated it struck the ship, which took the 'unauthorised route,' after it disregarded warnings to correct course.
Iran insisted the strait was closed 'until further notice' after a commercial vessel 'jeopardised maritime security' by traversing the waterway through an unapproved route.
The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.
This closure by the IRGC followed weekend attacks, with the corps vowing to attack 'additional enemy bases in the region' if it faced more strikes.
Beyond immediate military actions, the US Treasury revoked a license authorizing the sale of Iranian crude oil on Tuesday.
Iranian officials stated 17 people were killed and 115 injured in the previous round of strikes.
Kuwait's Defense Ministry reported damage to border posts and an oil platform.
Oman, a traditionally neutral nation, summoned the Iranian ambassador to protest the strikes.
Iran stated that US attacks render diplomacy futile, following reports that talks between Iran and Oman on Saturday in Muscat failed to reach a result due to US pressure on Oman.
Iranian state media reported projectiles hitting Qeshm Island and strikes on the island of Farur, resulting in casualties.
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to take revenge for the death of his father, stating, 'Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission.'
Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Speaker of Iran's Parliament, declared, 'The era of one-sided deals is OVER,' adding, 'We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking.'
An unidentified US official stated a bigger wave of attacks on Iranian military targets was expected for Sunday night.
The US military claimed to have hit 140 military targets, while the IRGC claimed it had destroyed a command and control centre and drone hangars at a base in Jordan.
US officials stated the resumption of strikes came after what they described as a 'rogue faction of Iranian hardliners that tried to sabotage the ceasefire.'
Whether we are there or not, this will be accomplished, and soon every free person around the world will fulfill a part of this divine mission.
Iran insists its theocracy is unified under the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, despite claims of internal divisions.
The IRGC also reported hitting Oman, a nation rarely targeted in previous conflicts.
India condemned an attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman, confirming 10 of 11 Indian nationals on board were rescued, with one still missing.