Bangkok: The U.S. military has launched its third airstrike in a week against Iranian military targets, following an attack by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The attack has resulted in the collapse of a temporary ceasefire, with Iran announcing the closure of the strategic waterway "until further notice."
According to Thai News Agency, the IRGC navy fired a missile at the Cypriot-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy as it navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre (UKMTO) reported significant damage to the ship's stern and a fire in the engine room, leading to the crew's evacuation. One civilian crew member remains missing. Iranian authorities claimed the ship intentionally disabled its navigation systems and took an "unauthorized" route, prompting the closure of the strait.
In retaliation, U.S. President Donald Trump ordered immediate military action against Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth stated that Iran had chosen the wrong path and must cease threatening international navigation. The Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that the U.S. military targeted Iranian military infrastructure with the aim of protecting international shipping. Powerful explosions were reported in several southern and coastal Iranian cities, including Bandar Abbas and Bushehr.
In response, the Iranian military and its allies launched drone strikes and missile attacks on U.S. bases in the Gulf. The UAE activated its air defense system to intercept the attacks, while Bahrain and Qatar heightened their security alerts.
This escalation follows the funeral of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader, and comes amidst intelligence reports of a planned assassination attempt on President Trump. In reaction, President Trump declared on Truth Social that the U.S. is prepared to retaliate with over 1,000 missiles if necessary.
Prior to these developments, Iran and Oman had been in discussions to reopen safe shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. However, this recent confrontation nullifies the temporary ceasefire agreement previously initiated by Trump. Still, potential negotiations mediated by Qatar and Oman are expected to continue next week.