The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. forces have launched the third round of strikes against the Iranian regime this week following an attack by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) July 12, 2026
CENTCOM said in its statement that the vessel caught fire during the attack and sustained heavy damage to its engine room. It also said that one civilian crew member is missing, leaving the ship unable to continue its voyage.
The U.S. Central Command emphasized that the operation is intended to reduce the Iranian regime’s ability to attack commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. It added that the operation will continue under the orders of the Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Armed Forces.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote in a post on X minutes after the new operation began: “Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay.”
Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay. https://t.co/8m4fEfgrXv
— Pete Hegseth (@PeteHegseth) July 11, 2026
In response, Iranian state-run media reported that cruise missiles and suicide drones had been launched toward the U.S. naval fleet in the Gulf of Oman, and that more than 10 ballistic missiles had also targeted U.S. bases in Jordan. Following these attacks, Jordan activated its air defense systems.
State-run news agencies also reported hearing explosions in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.
CENTCOM further announced that U.S. forces used precision-guided munitions to strike approximately 140 military targets belonging to the Iranian regime. The targets included missile and drone bases, naval facilities, ammunition depots, and communications networks.
According to the U.S. military, the strikes began after IRGC forces attacked two vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday night. The U.S. military said that one of the vessels, which was sailing under the Cypriot flag, caught fire as a result of the IRGC attack.
State-run media also reported airstrikes in various parts of Iran, including Kerman, Dezful, Izeh, Mahshahr, Abadan, Bandar Jask, Sirik, Bandar Deylam, Kangan, Qeshm, Chabahar, Hendijan, Bandar Dayyer, and Asaluyeh.
CENTCOM announced this morning that the third round of military operations against Iranian regime targets had been completed successfully.
