The US military announced early Sunday it is striking Iran, after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked a container ship attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGC subsequently declared the closure of the strategic waterway until further notice. Iranian reports indicate US strikes hitting targets in southern Iran.
Just after 02:41 Jerusalem, as the US military launched a third wave of airstrikes against Iran, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice. The IRGC stated that the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy had attempted to cross via an unauthorized route, leading to the attack and subsequent closure of the strategic waterway.
The Zioneer reported at 02:41 that CENTCOM had launched a third round of strikes, targeting IRGC capabilities after the attack on the M/V GFS Galaxy, with one crew member missing and the vessel disabled. At 02:47, The Zioneer confirmed the third round through CENTCOM. Subsequent reports from N12 journalist Barak Ravid specified that the targets included air surveillance radars, missile and drone storage facilities, launch sites, and maritime radars. i24NEWS later added details on the IRGC's justification for the attack.
The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which carries about 20% of global oil supply, is a significant escalation. The IRGC has previously announced or threatened closures; as The Zioneer reported on Jun 22, the IRGC declared a closure after Iran's World Cup disqualification, and on Jul 7, it attacked a vessel in the strait, according to Channel 14 News.
The duration of the closure remains unspecified, and the status of the missing crew member has not been updated. Iranian state media report strikes on targets in southern Iran, but independent verification is pending.
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