Image: from NΞMICO X @NemicoNetwork
By Open Chronicle with Agencies
The United States has launched a third series of military strikes against Iranian targets following an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
According to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), the latest strikes were ordered after the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The vessel reportedly suffered severe engine room damage following an onboard fire, leaving it unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member remains missing.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced it has completed a third round of strikes this week against Iranian military targets in response to another attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, approximately 140 military targets were struck during… pic.twitter.com/qyqOhYttD7
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) July 12, 2026
CENTCOM says strikes target Iran’s maritime attack capability
At 7:15 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 11, 2026
In a statement released on social media, CENTCOM said the military operation was intended to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian mariners operating in the region.
The command stated that Iran had previously been allowed to comply with commitments under a Memorandum of Understanding addressing attacks against commercial vessels but failed to do so.
“As a result, 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 of Hormuz,” CENTCOM said.
Officials added that the strikes were carried out under the authority of President Donald Trump as commander in chief.
The latest operation follows an earlier round of strikes over the weekend that reportedly targeted approximately 140 Iranian military facilities.
Iran announces closure of the Strait of Hormuz
Following the U.S. operation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that the Strait of Hormuz would be closed to all maritime traffic until further notice.
Iran claimed its forces had fired warning shots at a vessel that allegedly ignored instructions to alter its course after entering what Tehran described as an unauthorized route.
In its statement, the IRGC warned that no ships would be permitted to transit the waterway while U.S. military operations continue in the region.
The organization also threatened to target American military bases across the Middle East should Washington launch additional strikes.
Global concerns over shipping disruption
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s busiest maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and liquefied natural gas exports.
Any prolonged disruption to navigation through the passage could have substantial consequences for international energy markets, global shipping, and regional security.
Commercial shipping companies and international naval forces are closely monitoring the evolving security situation as concerns grow over potential further attacks on civilian vessels.
Diplomatic efforts remain under pressure
The latest military escalation comes despite an ongoing 60-day negotiation framework established under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding signed in June.
According to U.S. officials, Washington continues to demand that Tehran transfer approximately 410 kilograms of highly enriched uranium as part of any final diplomatic agreement.
Senior American officials have described the transfer of the material as an essential condition for any broader settlement regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Regional tensions continue to rise
The exchange of military action and increasingly aggressive rhetoric has heightened concerns about the possibility of a wider regional conflict involving U.S. forces, Iran, and allied partners across the Middle East.
With both sides issuing new warnings and military operations continuing, international observers are calling for restraint to prevent further escalation in an already volatile region.