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

The United States announced on July 11 (local time) 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), which oversees U.S. military operations in the Middle East, stated on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that day, "At 7:15 p.m. Eastern Time, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) blatantly attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship 'M/V GFS Galaxy' as it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz." CENTCOM added, "Forces under Central Command have initiated their 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 severely damaged the engine room, leaving the ship unable to navigate.

CENTCOM further emphasized, "Iran had an opportunity to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) while facing accountability for previous attacks on merchant vessels, but they have once again abandoned it."

"In response, the United States is continuously degrading Iran's ability to attack civilian crew members and merchant ships freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring that Iran pays a heavy price," it said.

The command also noted that "these airstrikes are being carried out under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief."

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also shared CENTCOM's announcement of the airstrikes on X, stating, "Iran has made a poor choice," and adding, "Now they will pay the price."

Foreign media reported that explosions and flames were observed in various locations across Iran.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency, citing 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 only commercial nuclear power plant in Iran.

Reuters, citing Iran's state-run IRIB broadcaster, reported that three explosions were reported in the port city of Bandar Abbas in southern central Iran, and two explosions occurred in Sirik.

Prior to this, just before CENTCOM's announcement of the airstrikes, the IRGC, Iran's elite military force, had announced it was closing the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that vessels were attempting to transit through illegal routes.

Since the signing of a ceasefire MOU last month, the U.S. and Iran have been engaged in repeated conflicts and physical clashes over control of the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. conducted airstrikes on southern Iran for two days starting on July 8, and in response, Iran launched counter-attacks targeting major U.S. military facilities in Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.