U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) forces initiated a third round of precision strikes against Iranian military targets on Saturday, July 11, in direct response to an attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on a civilian container ship in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Cyprus-flagged vessel M/V GFS Galaxy (IMO 9401271), a 2009-built Post-Panamax container ship with a capacity of approximately 7,000 TEU, was struck while transiting the critical waterway. The assault resulted in an onboard fire, substantial engine room damage, and rendered the ship unable to continue its voyage. One civilian crew member remains missing, according to CENTCOM.
“At 7:15 p.m. ET today, U.S. Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy,” CENTCOM stated. The command emphasized that Iran had failed to adhere to a June 2026 Memorandum of Understanding intended to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping.
Scope of U.S. Operation
U.S. forces struck approximately 140 Iranian targets using precision munitions from aircraft, drones, and naval assets. Targets included missile and drone sites, air defense systems, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, and coastal surveillance infrastructure. This latest action brings the total number of Iranian targets degraded this week to more than 300.
The operations, carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief, aim to degrade Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and international commerce in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital chokepoint for global energy supplies.
Escalating Tensions
The incident marks the latest violation of the fragile June 2026 ceasefire agreement, which followed earlier diplomatic efforts to secure toll-free and unrestricted navigation. Iran has claimed responsibility for actions against vessels using unauthorized routes and has reportedly imposed restrictions on the strait, prompting further regional instability.
No immediate casualties from the U.S. strikes have been reported by Iranian authorities, though the situation remains fluid with potential for Iranian retaliation.
Oil markets reacted sharply to the news, with concerns over possible disruptions to roughly one-fifth of global oil trade that passes through the strait.
CENTCOM has released footage of the strikes and reiterated its commitment to protecting freedom of navigation. Diplomatic channels, including talks in Oman, continue amid the heightened tensions.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available from official sources.
