The US Central Command (CENTCOM) announced on Saturday that it had completed a third round of strikes against Iranian forces this week, targeting approximately 140 military sites with precision munitions. The strikes were launched in response to an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, according to an official statement.
Details of the Strikes
US forces used land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels to hit Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations. The operation was conducted at the direction of the Commander in Chief, as per CENTCOM.
Over three nights of strikes this week, CENTCOM has struck more than 300 targets to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting the strait. Despite the ongoing military action, commercial vessel transits through the vital maritime corridor continue, CENTCOM noted.
Context of the Attacks
The latest round of strikes came after Iran attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz. According to a CENTCOM post on X, 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.
US Response and Impact
CENTCOM added that Iran had been given an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to a 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.
Broader Context
Since early May, US forces have helped facilitate the successful transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz, according to CENTCOM. The strait is a critical international maritime corridor for global oil shipments.
