U.S. Resumes Airstrikes on Iran Following Attack on Merchant Vessel in Strait of Hormuz: "They Will Pay a Price"

▲ Strait of Hormuz

The United States announced that it has resumed airstrikes against Iran, citing another attack by Iran on a merchant vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) stated on social media, "At 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) brazenly attacked the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship, while it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz," adding that "CENTCOM forces have initiated a third round of airstrikes this week."

CENTCOM explained that the Iranian attack left one civilian crew member of the vessel missing, caused a fire on board, and resulted in severe damage to the engine room, rendering the ship unable to navigate.

"In response, the United States is continuing to degrade Iran's ability to threaten civilian mariners and merchant vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that Iran pays a heavy price," CENTCOM added.

The command also noted that "these strikes are being conducted under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also shared the announcement regarding the start of the airstrikes against Iran, stating, "Iran has made a poor choice," and adding, "Now they will pay the price."

Iranian media reported that explosions were heard in the Asaluyeh and Bushehr regions of southern Iran.

Asaluyeh is home to Iran's largest oil refinery, and Bushehr is the site of the country's only commercial nuclear power plant.

Reuters, citing Iranian state television, reported that three explosions were recorded in the port city of Bandar Abbas in southern central Iran, and two explosions occurred in Sirik.

Earlier today, just before the U.S. Central Command announced the airstrikes, Iran's elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had declared a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that vessels were attempting to navigate through illegal routes.

Since the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end hostilities last month, the United States and Iran have been engaged in repeated conflicts and physical clashes over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

(Photo: Yonhap News)

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