The US Central Command announced early Sunday that it launched a third round of airstrikes against Iran, according to Israeli journalist Barak Ravid (N12). A senior American official said the targets include air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, launch sites, maritime surveillance radars, and surface-to-air missile launchers.
The US Central Command launched a third round of airstrikes against Iran at 02:15 Jerusalem on Sunday, July 12, 2026, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps capabilities in response to the IRGC's attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz. One civilian crew member remains missing and the vessel is disabled due to fire and engine damage, according to a CENTCOM statement. A senior US official said the targets include air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, launch sites, maritime surveillance radars, and surface-to-air missile launchers, as reported by Israeli journalist Barak Ravid (N12).
The strike wave was first reported by The Zioneer at 02:41 Jerusalem, based on CENTCOM confirmation. Initial reports (version 1) characterized the IRGC attack on the Galaxy as "alleged," but by version 2 at 02:41, CENTCOM explicitly attributed the attack to the IRGC and confirmed the damage to the ship. The third wave follows two previous rounds of US strikes on Iranian targets in recent weeks, as The Zioneer has reported. The earlier rounds were documented on June 10 and June 11, with a senior US official stating on June 10 that the operation was ongoing and preparations for additional strikes were in place.
Background context provided by The Zioneer includes reports of US strategic bombers training from RAF Fairford in the UK since mid-April, simulating strikes toward the Middle East, and an analyst's observation that the US justification for strikes has shifted from specific incidents to broader "Iranian aggressiveness." The US has also expanded strikes to southern Iran following a drone attack on a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, as reported on June 28.
It remains unclear what damage the third round of strikes inflicted on Iranian targets, whether the missing crew member has been located, and whether Washington plans additional waves. The situation continues to develop.
6 developments
- StrongSenior US official confirms US forces striking IRGC targets near Strait of Hormuz
- StrongVance: US struck Iran over ship attacks, operates leverage for safe Hormuz passage
- DevelopingIran says it closed Strait of Hormuz, struck vessel after US requested open passage
- StrongIran attacks cargo ships in Strait of Hormuz, declares agreement 'ineffective'; sirens in Bahrain
Source and signal
- Internal intake