U.S. Military Resumes Airstrikes on Iran After Merchant Vessel Attacked in Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Conducts Third Airstrike This Week, Vows Iran Will Pay the Price

The United States announced on July 11 (local time) that it had resumed airstrikes against mainland Iran in retaliation for an Iranian military attack on a commercial vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

Ships anchored and stationary in the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The United States Central Command (CENTCOM), which oversees U.S. forces in the Middle East, stated via the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that "at 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) overtly attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship 'M/V GFS Galaxy' as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz," adding, "CENTCOM units have launched their third airstrike this week."

According to CENTCOM, the merchant vessel attacked by Iran suffered severe damage to its engine room and a fire broke out on board, rendering it unable to sail. It was also reported that one civilian crew member is missing. CENTCOM stated, "Iran had previously been held accountable for attacks on commercial ships and was once again given an opportunity to comply with the memorandum of understanding (MOU), but it has once again failed to do so." The statement continued, "In response, the United States is continuously degrading Iran's ability to attack civilian seafarers and merchant vessels passing freely through the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that Iran pays a heavy price." It was further noted that these airstrikes are being conducted under the direct orders of the Commander-in-Chief.

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also commented, "Iran made a poor choice," adding, "Now they will pay the price."

Foreign media outlets reported that explosions and flames were witnessed in various parts of Iran. Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, citing Iranian media, reported that explosions were heard in Asaluyeh and Bushehr in southern Iran. Asaluyeh is home to Iran's largest oil refinery, while Bushehr is the site of the country's only commercial nuclear power plant.

Earlier that day, just before CENTCOM's announcement of airstrikes on Iran, the IRGC declared that it would blockade the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that ships were attempting to travel through illegal routes.

The United States and Iran have experienced repeated clashes and continued physical confrontations over control of the Strait of Hormuz since the signing of a new MOU last month. On July 8, the United States also conducted airstrikes over two days in southern Iran, while Iran retaliated by targeting major U.S. military installations in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.