US Forces Conduct Third Series of Strikes on Iran

The US armed forces initiated a third series of strikes against Iranian targets this week following an attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz.

According to a statement on X from US Central Command (CENTCOM), the strikes are a response to an IRGC attack on the GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the strait. One civilian crew member is missing. The vessel is unable to continue its route due to an onboard fire and damage to its engine room.

CENTCOM stated that Iran was provided an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) after prior attacks on commercial vessels but failed to comply.

“In response, 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,” the CENTCOM statement read. The command noted that the strikes were carried out at the direction of the commander in chief – a reference to US President Donald Trump.

The operations follow a prior wave of strikes on Saturday. According to Axios, US forces targeted approximately 140 Iranian military sites using precision weaponry launched from land, sea, and air platforms.

A US official stated that the targets included air and ground surveillance radar stations, missile and drone storage facilities, launch pads, and surface-to-air missile installations.

Other Topics of Interest

US Senator Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 Following Brief Illness

US Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 following a “brief and sudden illness,” his office announced early Sunday.

Iran closes Strait of Hormuz

The IRGC issued a statement asserting it fired a warning shot at a vessel that used an unauthorized route and ignored demands to alter its course. Following the incident, the IRGC announced a complete blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

“The Strait of Hormuz will be closed until further notice and until the end of American interventions in this region, and no vessel will be allowed to pass through it,” the IRGC stated. The group also stated that US military bases in the Middle East would become targets if the US conducts further strikes.

The military actions occur during a 60-day negotiation window established under a bilateral MoU signed in June.

Washington requires Tehran to transfer its estimated 410 kilograms (900 pounds) of highly enriched uranium to the US. A senior US official stated that reaching a final diplomatic agreement is contingent upon Iran surrendering this material, which Trump and other officials refer to as “nuclear dust.”