The Strait of Hormuz is once again on high alert after Iran attacked a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel, prompting a swift U.S. military response. The incident has escalated tensions in one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints.
Attack on M/V GFS Galaxy
The Cyprus-flagged cargo ship M/V GFS Galaxy sustained severe damage and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, forcing its crew to abandon ship. According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the attack was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). One crew member remains missing.
Conflicting Accounts
Iran’s semi-official Fars News Agency reported that the vessel was struck by a cruise missile and claimed it had ignored repeated warnings from Iranian authorities. Tehran maintains the ship violated maritime navigation rules — a claim disputed by Western officials.
U.S. Retaliatory Strikes
In response, U.S. forces launched airstrikes against multiple Iranian targets, including sites in Sirik, Bandar Abbas, and Minab. CENTCOM confirmed late Saturday that American forces completed a third round of strikes this week, hitting approximately 140 Iranian military targets across the country.
Struck assets included IRGC missile facilities, drone infrastructure, naval capabilities, ammunition storage sites, communications networks, and coastal surveillance positions. Iran activated air defense systems in Tehran amid the escalation.
Closure and Warnings
Iran announced the Strait of Hormuz remains closed until further notice and warned of a firm response to any additional military action in the region.