US Forces Strike Iran After Ship Attack in Strait of Hormuz
The United States launched fresh strikes on Iran early Sunday, marking the third round of attacks this week, in response to an Iranian assault on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the strikes began at 7:15 p.m. ET on Saturday, targeting Iranian positions after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces attacked the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the strategic waterway.
According to CENTCOM, a civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel is unable to continue its journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage. The attack on the Galaxy prompted the US to escalate its military response, which has now included three waves of strikes this week.
Iran Confirms Attacks on Five Cities
Iran confirmed the US strikes, with state news agency IRNA quoting an Iranian official as saying that US forces attacked five cities in the Bushehr province, including Asaluyeh, Dir, Bushehr, Dashti, and Tangestan. The strikes reportedly targeted infrastructure in these areas, though specific details on casualties or damage were not immediately available.
In retaliation, Iran launched counterattacks against American interests in Gulf countries, including Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan. In Qatar, officials reported that at least three people were injured by debris from intercepted missiles. The escalation has raised fears of a broader conflict in the region.
Both Sides Accuse Each Other of Violating MoU
The US and Iran have traded accusations over violations of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that governs maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The US accuses Iran of attacking ships passing through the strait, while Iran claims the US is attempting to create a corridor that bypasses Iranian approval. Iran insists that the MoU requires its consent for free passage of vessels.
US President Donald Trump had earlier declared that the ceasefire between the two countries was over. Last week, he announced CENTCOM's plans to strike Iran about 24 hours ahead of the attack and threatened that the US could denuclearise Iran without a deal. The latest US attack appears to be the heaviest since the MoU was signed in mid-June.
Previous Strikes and Casualties
Earlier US strikes in Kerman province wounded at least two people, targeting a communication tower in southern Iran. CENTCOM disclosed that its forces hit 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday after the IRGC announced the Strait of Hormuz was closed “until further notice.” The closure has disrupted global shipping and raised concerns about oil supply routes.
The ongoing conflict has drawn international attention, with calls for de-escalation from various world leaders. However, both sides have shown little sign of backing down.
Iran's Supreme Leader Pledges Revenge
Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has pledged to avenge his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed during a US-Israel joint attack in February. In his first public message since the funeral ceremony for his predecessor began a week ago, Khamenei said vengeance is “the demand of the nation” and “must certainly” take place. The statement, quoted by Al Jazeera, read: “Revenge is the will of our nation. We pledge to avenge the blood of the martyred leader and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced killers.”
The supreme leader's vow signals a prolonged confrontation, as both nations continue to exchange fire and rhetoric. The international community remains on edge, watching for further developments in the volatile region.
