On Saturday, July 12th, 2026, tensions escalated in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran declared the strategic waterway closed following an incident involving a Cyprus-flagged container ship, the M/V GFS Galaxy. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired on the vessel after it took an "unauthorised route," according to Iranian statements. The IRGC navy said, "A vessel that had jeopardised maritime security by switching off its systems was struck and brought to a halt," warning that any retaliation would be met with a "severe response."

The attack caused significant damage to the ship's engine room and onboard fire, leaving it stranded in the strait. A crew member is reported missing, according to the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

In response, CENTCOM announced that the US has initiated a third round of strikes against Iran to degrade its ability to target civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the strait. CENTCOM stated, "Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but has again failed. In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait."

Explosions were reported in Iranian port cities Bandar Abbas and Sirik, as well as on Qeshm Island, home to an underground Iranian missile base.

This latest confrontation marks a significant escalation in the ongoing maritime tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

Sources