Tensions in the Gulf region escalated once again after Iran shut down the Strait of Hormuz following an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship passing through the strategic waterway. The latest developments also prompted the United States to launch another round of military strikes against Iranian targets.
According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American forces began a fresh round of strikes at 7:15 pm Eastern Time on Saturday, 11th July, after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the cargo vessel M/V GFS Galaxy while it was travelling through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed, claims it struck a vessel using “unauthorized route.” https://t.co/zyR2nhu4YD
— The Associated Press (@AP) July 11, 2026
CENTCOM said the attack caused serious damage to the ship and left one crew member missing. “The vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage,” the US military said in a statement posted on X.
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, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz. A civilian crew…
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 11, 2026
US says strikes aimed at protecting shipping routes
The United States said Iran had earlier been allowed to comply with the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding after previous attacks on commercial ships but had “again failed” to do so.
Following an Iranian attack that severely damaged a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US forces carried out widespread strikes on coastal targets in Iran tonight. pic.twitter.com/1wqrhmh2aB
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) July 12, 2026
American officials said the latest military operation was intended to weaken Iran’s ability to target merchant vessels and civilian sailors travelling through one of the world’s busiest energy shipping routes.
BREAKING: Iran’s IRGC announces the full absolute closure of the Strait of Hormuz “until further notice and until the end of US interventions,” with no vessels allowed to transit on any lane, per Tasnim.
— The Hormuz Letter (@HormuzLetter) July 11, 2026
The IRGC also just fired a warning shot at a ship that ignored warnings and…
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most important waterways for global oil and gas supplies, making any disruption there a major concern for international trade and energy markets.
Iran warns of stronger retaliation
Iran, however, defended its actions and announced that it had once again closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing what it described as a warning shot at a vessel travelling on an “unapproved route.”
Tehran warned that any military response against Iran would be met with a “severe response.”
The IRGC also claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting the Prince Hassan Air Base in Jordan, where it said several ballistic missiles were launched against US military facilities.
In a statement carried by Iranian state media, the Revolutionary Guard claimed that its forces had destroyed a command centre and hangars housing MQ-9 drones at the base, although these claims could not be independently verified.
Iran further accused the United States of trying to move ships through an “illegal route” in the southern part of the Strait of Hormuz with support from Oman, saying its navy had blocked the attempt with a “decisive response.”
The IRGC warned that any further US military action would lead to “more severe responses,” raising fresh concerns about security in the Gulf and the future of commercial shipping through the region.
