The United States launched a fresh round of military strikes against Iran after an alleged attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the Middle East and raising concerns over global maritime security.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended the operation, posting on social media, “Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay,” while sharing a statement from the US Central Command (CENTCOM) announcing the strikes.
According to CENTCOM, the operation marked the third round of US strikes against Iran this week. The military said the action was ordered after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The US military stated that the vessel caught fire, suffered significant engine room damage, and that one civilian crew member remains missing, leaving the ship unable to continue its voyage. CENTCOM said Iran had been given multiple opportunities to comply with previous agreements aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping but had failed to do so.
“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, adding that the strikes were conducted under the direction of the US President.
The military action followed Iran’s announcement that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities claimed a warning shot had struck a vessel travelling through what they described as an unauthorised route after several ships allegedly ignored orders to alter course. Tehran declared that the strategic waterway would remain closed until further notice and warned it could target additional enemy bases if further attacks occurred.
Following the US strikes, Iranian state media reported explosions in Bandar Abbas and Sirik, key locations along the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes, carrying around one-fifth of globally traded oil and natural gas. Any disruption to shipping through the waterway has significant implications for international energy markets and global trade.
Despite the renewed military confrontation, diplomatic efforts remain underway. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently met his Omani counterpart to discuss mechanisms for ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the strait. Oman confirmed that both sides had agreed to continue technical and political discussions.
However, the latest exchange of military action has placed additional strain on the already fragile ceasefire and diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran, with US officials maintaining that meaningful negotiations depend on restoring the security of international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.