The US launched a third round of strikes against Iran this week after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) closed the Strait of Hormuz and attacked US bases and allies in the region. The moves follow Iran’s warning shots on a Cyprus-flagged vessel, the MV GFS Galaxy, which sustained engine damage and forced its crew to abandon ship.
Iran closes Strait of Hormuz amid escalating conflict
Iran’s IRGC announced the Strait of Hormuz was closed until further notice, citing a vessel’s refusal to follow approved routes. The group warned of "severity" in response to any US aggression, targeting new regional bases. Iran’s parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, declared on X that the "era of one-sided deals is OVER," adding, "Reality is knocking."
US Central Command (Centcom) stated the IRGC "blatantly attacked" the MV GFS Galaxy, leaving it unable to continue its journey. Centcom confirmed 140 Iranian military targets were hit, including missile sites, drone locations, and coastal surveillance networks. US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth echoed the sentiment: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."
Retaliatory strikes and regional fallout
Iran’s "first phase" of retaliation included strikes on Jordan’s Prince Hassan Air Base, destroying its command center and MQ9 drone hangars. Earlier, three commercial tankers were attacked near a US-recommended route through Omani waters. Iran insists the only safe passage is through its own waters.
Tensions surged after US President Donald Trump declared the ceasefire over, while Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of violating their agreement. Mediators are attempting to revive talks, with US officials demanding Iran publicly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and cease attacks on commercial ships.
The closure follows a call for revenge from Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who vowed to avenge his father’s death in a February air strike. Meanwhile, Trump warned Iran against assassination plans, denying reports of a new Iranian plot.
