The United States has launched a third round of strikes against Iran after accusing Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps of attacking a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel sustained significant damage from an onboard fire. The IRGC has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, warning against any further US military action. Diplomatic efforts are underway with Qatari and Omani mediators attempting to de-escalate tensions.

The United States on Saturday launched a third round of strikes against Iran after alleging that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.

"Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay. - Pete Hegseth"

According to an official post on X by US Central Command (CENTCOM), a civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel is unable to continue its journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage.

"At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US 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," CENTCOM stated.

CENTCOM added that Iran had been provided an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but had "again failed."

"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 strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief," said the 'X' post.

Replying to CENTCOM's 'X' post, US War Secretary Pete Hegseth wrote, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."

These strikes came just hours after the IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice," declaring that the strategic waterway would remain shut until the United States ends its "interference" in the West Asia region, Press TV reported.

According to an IRGC statement, the decision was taken "in light of the security situation resulting from the unlawful intervention of foreign powers," adding that no vessel would be permitted to transit the strait.