Washington, July 12 (QNA) - The US military announced new airstrikes against Iran, stating they were in response to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had begun the third round of strikes against Iran this week, following an attack by Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces on a container ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
CENTCOM explained that the Revolutionary Guard attacked the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, resulting in the death of one civilian crew member, significant damage to the engine room, and a fire on board, preventing the ship from continuing its journey.
"Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels but has again failed," CENTCOM said.
It noted that the strikes were aimed at degrading Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the operations were being conducted under the direction of the Commander-in-Chief.
These attacks come after Iranian media reported that the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy closed the Strait of Hormuz until further notice, after firing warning shots at a ship it said attempted to pass through an unauthorized channel. (QNA)