US Strikes 140 Iranian Military Targets in Third Round After Hormuz Ship Attack
The United States launched a third round of strikes on approximately 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday, following an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz that prompted Iran to declare the waterway closed. These Iran strikes mark the latest escalation in a series of exchanges between the two nations.
US Launches Third Round of Strikes on Iran
The United States launched a new round of military strikes against Iran on Saturday after Iranian forces allegedly attacked a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. Central Command. [5] US forces completed a third round of strikes this week against Iran, the Central Command said late on Saturday in a post on X. [4] They hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday, the Central Command said, and added that the targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations. [4] During three nights of strikes this week, US forces have struck more than 300 targets, the military added in its statement. [4] The Central Command said the strikes on Saturday were in response to the attack on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. [4] "Commercial vessel transits through the vital international maritime corridor continue," it added. [4]
Iranian Attack on US Assets in Oman
Ghalibaf issued this message as Iran's IRGC said that its aerospace forces carried out a heavy attack on US aircraft carrier support and refueling platforms in the port of Duqm, in Oman. [4] Iran's IRGC conducted a heavy attack on US aircraft carrier support and refueling platforms in the port of Duqm, Oman, as the third stage of its response to alleged US aggression. [4] The IRGC added that the operation targeted logistical support centers for US naval vessels. [4] Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on Twitter/X Sunday morning, saying the action came amid broader exchanges. [4]
Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz
US strikes came hours after Iran said it closed the strait after firing a warning shot that struck a vessel traveling on an unapproved route. [4] It warned that any retaliation over the incident would be met with a "severe response." [4] US Central Command identified the vessel as the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship, saying it suffered significant engine-room damage and that a civilian crew member was missing. [4] Iran said it closed the strait after firing a warning shot that struck a vessel traveling on an unapproved route. [4] US Central Command, however, said commercial vessels continue to transit through the waterway that carried one-fifth of the world's oil and LNG shipments before the war. [4]
Iranian Officials Signal End to One-Sided Deals
Ghalibaf issued this message as Iran's IRGC said that its aerospace forces carried out a heavy attack on US aircraft carrier support and refueling platforms in the port of Duqm, in Oman. [4] Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf posted on Twitter/X Sunday morning, saying: "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking." [4] Iran's top negotiator says amid Hormuz tensions that the statement comes after Iran attacks US bases in Gulf and Washington launches a 3rd round of strikes on Iranian military targets. [1]
Gulf States Intercept Iranian Fire
Hostilities resume with new US strikes on Iran and Gulf nations intercepting attacks. [2] The defence ministries of the United Arab Emirates and Qatar both said they were intercepting incoming Iranian fire. [3] A series of attacks between the US and Iran over the past several days led US President Donald Trump to declare the end of a ceasefire meant to halt the fighting that the US and Israel began on February 28, though Trump has left the door open to continued negotiations. [4]
Trump and Khamenei Statements
Yesterday's key developments: President Donald Trump said Friday the United States would "completely decimate" Iran if it attempted or succeeded in assassinating the sitting president. [3] Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has warned that avenging his slain predecessor and father is "the demand of the nation" and "must certainly" take place, according to a written message released on his X account. [3]
What to watch next: Further exchanges may follow as Iran has warned of a severe response to any retaliation over the Strait of Hormuz incident while US Central Command continues to monitor commercial vessel transits through the waterway.
