The United States launched retaliatory strikes against key Iranian targets following an Iranian missile attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, which caused significant damage and led to the waterway's closure. The Cyprus-flagged container ship, identified as the M/V GFS Galaxy, was targeted on Saturday, according to U.S. Central Command.
One civilian crew member remains missing after the attack. U.S. Central Command stated that Iran was given another opportunity to adhere to a Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels but failed to do so. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth vowed retribution, stating, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice, citing the "precariousness that was caused by this unlawful interference by outside parties" and stating that "no vessel or naval craft will be allowed to pass." The IRGC claimed the vessel was attempting to use an unauthorized route.
This marks the third round of U.S. strikes against Iran this week. The strikes, which began around 7:15 p.m. Eastern time on Saturday, targeted sites including air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage and launch sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers. These actions follow retaliatory strikes earlier in the week after three ships were hit in the Strait of Hormuz, during which American forces reportedly struck approximately 90 military targets, including about 60 IRGC boats.
U.S. forces are described as "vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the Commander in Chief." Previously, President Trump had stated on Friday that while negotiations with Iran would continue, "the Cease Fire is OVER!"
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Omani counterpart on Saturday to discuss the escalating tensions and explore "appropriate mechanisms for ensuring the safe passage of ships." Omani and Iranian negotiators were scheduled to continue discussions at both technical and political levels.
Explosions were reported in southern Iranian port cities, including Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as Chabahar, Bandar-e Deyr, and Asaluyeh, according to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB.
