Tensions flare again in Strait of Hormuz as US strikes Iran over merchant ship attack

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz are flaring again as armed conflict between the United States and Iran resumes.

The US launched fresh airstrikes against Iran after a merchant ship transiting the strait came under Iranian attack.

US Central Command said Saturday on X, formerly Twitter, that Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps "brazenly attacked" the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz at 7:15 p.m. Eastern time. CENTCOM said its forces had launched their third airstrike of the week in response.

CENTCOM said one civilian crew member was missing following the Iranian attack, and that the vessel had caught fire and suffered severe damage to its engine room, leaving it unable to navigate.

"Iran was given another opportunity to comply with the MOU after being held accountable for previous attacks on merchant vessels — and again chose not to," CENTCOM said.

"In response, the United States continues to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and merchant vessels freely transiting the Strait of Hormuz, imposing significant costs on Iran," it added.

CENTCOM also said the strikes were being carried out under the direction of the commander in chief.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared CENTCOM's announcement on X, warning that "Iran made a terrible choice" and that "they will pay a price."

Explosions and fires were reported across Iran following the resumption of US airstrikes.

Russia's state-run TASS news agency, citing Iranian media, reported that explosions were heard in the southern regions of Assaluyeh and Bushehr.

Assaluyeh is home to Iran's largest oil refinery complex, while Bushehr hosts the country's only commercial nuclear power plant.

Reuters, citing Iran's state broadcaster IRIB, reported that three explosions were heard in the southern port city of Bandar Abbas.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has announced it will blockade the Strait of Hormuz, citing vessels it claims attempted to transit through unauthorized routes.

The US and Iran signed an end-of-war MOU last month, but the two sides have since clashed over control of the Strait of Hormuz, with the dispute escalating into armed conflict.