US Launches Third Airstrike on Iran After IRGC Announces "Re-closure" of Strait of Hormuz

The United States has announced that it has launched its third round of airstrikes against Iran.

The U.S. Central Command stated on social media that a merchant vessel passing through the Strait of Hormuz had been attacked by Iran again, adding, "We have resumed airstrikes for the third time this week."

The command added that the merchant vessel attacked by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is a Cyprus-flagged container ship. One crew member is currently missing, and the ship is unable to sail due to a fire on board and severe damage to the engine room.

Following the Central Command's statement, U.S. Secretary of Defense Hegseth also publicly announced the start of the airstrikes against Iran, emphasizing, "Iran has made a poor choice," and adding, "Now they will pay the price."

Local Iranian media reported hearing explosions on Qeshm Island, and Iranian state television also reported three explosions in Bandar Abbas and two in Sirik. Just before the Central Command's announcement, Iran had declared a total re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz, claiming that a vessel had turned off its tracking system and passed through an unauthorized route in the strait.

The IRGC declared, "Due to instability caused by the illegal intervention of foreign forces, the Strait of Hormuz is completely closed until further notice and until the U.S. intervention in the region ends."

The IRGC further emphasized, "If any new attacks or violations occur, new enemy bases in this region will become targets."

Reported by Jeong Gyeong-yun | Video by Na Hong-hee | Graphics by Lee Jeong-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.