US Completes Third Round of Strikes Against Iran Following Gulf Shipping Attack

ISTANBUL: The United States has carried out a third round of military strikes against Iran this week, targeting approximately 140 military sites in response to an attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In a statement issued late Saturday, CENTCOM said American forces used precision-guided weapons launched from fighter aircraft, drones and naval platforms to strike a range of Iranian military assets. The operation targeted missile and drone launch sites, naval facilities, ammunition depots, communications infrastructure and coastal surveillance systems.

The latest operation brings the total number of Iranian targets hit by US forces to more than 300 over three consecutive nights. CENTCOM said the campaign was ordered to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten civilian mariners and commercial shipping transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the ongoing military operations, the US military said commercial maritime traffic continues to move through the waterway. Since early May, American forces have supported the safe passage of over 800 commercial vessels transporting an estimated 400 million barrels of crude oil through the strait.

The latest escalation followed what Washington described as an attack by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the cargo vessel M/V GFS Galaxy. US officials said the ship was struck by a missile, leaving one civilian crew member missing and causing significant damage.

Iran disputed the US account, with the IRGC claiming it fired only a warning shot after the vessel allegedly ignored instructions to change course.

Following the incident, Tehran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, after diplomatic talks in Muscat aimed at reducing tensions ended without an agreement.

The exchange marks another significant escalation in the confrontation between Washington and Tehran, raising concerns over regional security, global energy supplies and the safety of one of the world’s most critical maritime trade routes.