WASHINGTON DC: The United States has launched another round of strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a vessel traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in the region.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it had closed the strategic waterway until further notice, saying the vessel was attacked after it switched off its systems and deviated from an authorized route, according to Iranian state media.
US Central Command (Centcom) said it conducted its “third round of strikes this week” after IRGC forces allegedly carried out an attack on a Cyprus-flagged commercial vessel.
The latest incident follows a series of attacks on three commercial tankers earlier in the week, which triggered retaliatory strikes between Iran and the US.
Centcom said the vessel sustained major engine-room damage and was unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member was reported missing following the attack.
“Iran was given another opportunity to demonstrate compliance with the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for previous attacks on commercial vessels, but it has failed again,” Centcom said in a statement posted on X.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared the statement, adding: “Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.”
Earlier on Sunday, Iranian state media reported that the IRGC had closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing a naval cruise missile at a vessel that was allegedly attempting to pass through an unauthorized route.
The IRGC said the vessel was struck with warning shots and forced to stop after ignoring repeated instructions.
The force also warned that any US response to the closure would be met with a “severe” reaction and that newly established military bases in the region could become targets.
(Inputs from BBC)
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