WASHINGTON -- The US launched a new wave of military strikes early on July 12 against Iran after Tehran declared the Strait of Hormuz closed and Iranian forces struck a Cyprus-flagged container ship, sharply escalating tensions in one of the world's most strategically important waterways.US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had begun a third round of strikes this week after Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) attacked the M/V GFS Galaxy while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz."A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage," CENTCOM said in a statement.
"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," it added, saying the strikes were being conducted on the orders of President Donald Trump.US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored Washington's message in a post on social media, writing: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."A senior US official told reporters that American forces targeted Iranian air surveillance radars, maritime surveillance systems, missile and drone storage facilities, missile and unmanned aerial vehicle launch sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers in an effort to weaken Tehran's military capabilities.Iranian state media reported explosions across southern Iran following the strikes. State broadcaster IRIB said three explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and two in Sirik, while additional blasts were reported on Qeshm Island, all overlooking the Strait of Hormuz.Iran Closes Waterway, Warns Of RetaliationThe latest US operation followed one of Iran's most consequential moves in the confrontation with Washington: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice.In a statement carried by IRIB, the IRGC navy said several vessels had attempted to transit the strait using what it described as an "unauthorized" or "unapproved route" despite repeated warnings."A vessel that had jeopardized maritime security by switching off its systems was struck and brought to a halt," the IRGC said, without identifying the ship.The IRGC said one vessel was hit by what it described as a warning shot before being stopped.
