The US Central Command announced early Sunday a new wave of aerial and missile attacks against military targets deep within Iran. These rapid field developments follow a dangerous escalation in the Gulf waters, where Washington accused the Iranian Revolutionary Guard of targeting a civilian cargo ship while it was transiting the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In his first official comment on the military operation, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth affirmed that Tehran had made a grave mistake by targeting international navigation. Hegseth clarified in a brief statement that the Iranian side is now paying the price for its hostile choices, emphasizing that the United States will not tolerate any compromise in protecting vital maritime routes.
For its part, military sources explained that the third round of strikes this week directly targeted the military infrastructure of the Revolutionary Guard. The targets included advanced air and surface surveillance radars, in addition to drone warehouses, ballistic missile launch platforms, and surface-to-air missiles that threaten air traffic and navigation.
The American move came in response to what Washington described as a 'blatant' attack targeting the container ship 'M/V GFS Galaxy', flying the Cypriot flag. Reports indicated that the ship suffered significant structural damage and a fire broke out in the engine room, leading to its incapacitation and the loss of one of its civilian crew members at sea.
In response, Tehran retaliated with unprecedented escalatory measures, as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. Iranian authorities justified this decision by the necessity of stopping what they called 'illegal American interventions,' warning that any new aggression would be met with a decisive and strong response in the region.
Field sources inside Iran reported hearing violent explosions shaking several coastal cities and strategic islands in the south of the country. The explosions were concentrated in the areas of Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and Sirik, while Hormozgan province alone recorded more than ten explosions targeting military and vital sites belonging to Iranian forces.
The US Central Command indicated that it had given Tehran repeated opportunities to adhere to international memorandums of understanding and respect the safety of commercial vessels, but Iran's repeated failure necessitated a military response. These operations, according to the American statement, aim to undermine Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and ensure the freedom of global trade.
An international state of anticipation prevails regarding the outcomes of this military escalation in one of the world's most important energy passages, amidst fears of the region sliding into a comprehensive confrontation. Major capitals are monitoring the repercussions of the Strait of Hormuz closure on global energy prices and the stability of supply chains passing through the Arabian Gulf.
Iran made a bad choice and is now paying the price.
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Widespread Military Escalation: US Strikes Target Iranian Depth and Strait of Hormuz Closure