US Strikes Iranian Targets After Revolutionary Guards Attack Cyprus-Flagged Ship in Strait of Hormuz

On July 11, 2026, the United States launched a third round of military strikes against Iranian targets following an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the Cyprus-flagged container ship GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship sustained significant damage, including a fire on deck and engine room damage, rendering it unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member was reported missing. The US Central Command stated that Iran had been given multiple opportunities to adhere to a memorandum of understanding but failed to do so, prompting the US to degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial vessels.

A senior US official detailed that the strikes targeted Iranian air and sea radar installations, missile and drone storage facilities, missile and drone launch sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers in the Strait of Hormuz region. In response to the attack on the merchant vessel, the IRGC declared the closure of the Strait of Hormuz "until further notice and until the end of American interference in the region," warning of severe retaliation against any new acts of aggression.

Earlier reports indicated explosions in Iranian port cities including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Jask. Iranian state media described the current situation in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, and Jask as calm. Diplomatic efforts were underway, with Iran's foreign minister discussing with his Omani counterpart the possibility of establishing a "middle route" in the Strait of Hormuz to ensure safe passage of ships through international waters.

Amid escalating tensions, Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed revenge for the death of his father, calling it a national demand. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran against any assassination attempts on him, stating that the US military was prepared to launch thousands of missiles against Iran if such threats were realized.

The situation remains volatile as both sides continue military and diplomatic maneuvers in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global oil shipments.