US Launches Third Round of Strikes on Iran After Alleged Attack on Cargo Ship

WASHINGTON, July 11: The United States launched a third round of military strikes against Iranian targets this week after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attacked a commercial cargo vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

CENTCOM said the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy sustained significant damage after the alleged attack, leaving one civilian crew member missing. The vessel was also hit by an onboard fire and suffered extensive engine-room damage, rendering it unable to continue its voyage.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said the latest strikes were carried out at the direction of the U.S. Commander in Chief in response to what it described as Iran's attacks on civilian shipping.

“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,” CENTCOM said.

The strikes mark the third round of U.S. military action against Iranian targets this week as tensions in and around the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate.