US Strikes Hit 140 Targets in Iran After Vessel Attack in Strait of Hormuz

The United States conducted a third round of airstrikes hitting 140 targets inside Iran overnight in response to an Iranian attack on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Tehran to launch missile and drone strikes across Gulf states, close the strategic waterway and warn of severe retaliation amid ongoing Middle East strikes. [2] [3]

US Third Round of Strikes on Iran

The United States carried out its third round of strikes on Iran after accusing Tehran of attacking a commercial container ship in the Strait of Hormuz. [3] US Central Command said American forces struck around 140 Iranian military targets on Saturday alone as part of a broader campaign targeting more than 300 sites over three nights. [3] In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait, the US military said. [3] US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth also warned Tehran, writing on X, "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay." [3] The brief pause in fighting between the United States and Iran shattered effectively Sunday, plunging the Gulf back into the brink of a wider war as both sides unleashed fresh military strikes that rapidly spread across one of the world's most strategically important regions, including the Strait of Hormuz. [3] The latest escalation follows days of tit-for-tat attacks that prompted US President Donald Trump to declare the ceasefire "over", even as he said Washington remained open to negotiations. [3]

Iranian Attack on Commercial Vessel

The latest round of fighting was triggered after Iran struck the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, accusing it of travelling through an "unauthorized route" in the Strait of Hormuz. [3] US Central Command said the vessel suffered severe engine room damage and caught fire, leaving one civilian crew member missing. [3] The crew later abandoned the ship and escaped in lifeboats, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations. [3] India said 10 of its nationals had been rescued, while one Indian national remained missing. [1] [3] India strongly condemned the attack on the Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, which was carrying 11 Indian nationals, calling the continued attacks on commercial shipping in the Middle East "deeply worrisome." [3] The Ministry of External Affairs said 10 Indian crew members had been rescued, while one Indian national remained missing. [3] "Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing search and rescue operation. We thank the Omani authorities for their support," MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said. [3] Although Tehran described the attack on the container ship as warning shots, the United States accused Iran of deliberately targeting a civilian commercial vessel. [3] Reiterating New Delhi's call for restraint, he added, "The continuing incidents of attacks on commercial shipping in the region are deeply worrisome. We reiterate our call for the immediate de-escalation of tensions, and the conclusion of ongoing negotiations for a diplomatic solution so that peace and stability can return to the region." [3]

Iran launches missile strikes on Gulf states after US airstrikes hit 140 targets. — Source: thenewarab

Iran's Retaliatory Strikes Across the Gulf

Hours after the latest US strikes, Iran announced a significant expansion of its military response across the Gulf. [3] The Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) claimed they had destroyed a command and control centre and drone hangars at a military base in Jordan. [3] Tehran also claimed to have targeted a US military radar installation in Kuwait, struck aircraft carrier support and refuelling facilities in Oman and attacked a fighter jet maintenance and command facility in Qatar. [3] The Guards further claimed they had disabled a second commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz. [3] Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates said its air defence systems intercepted incoming Iranian missiles and drones. [2] Air raid sirens were activated in Bahrain, while Qatar reported intercepting missile attacks and explosions were heard in Doha. [3] Iran has launched attacks across the Gulf and announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz after a night of heavy US airstrikes. [2] Tehran claimed it targeted sites in Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Jordan, as well as a vessel in the strait. [2] The UAE said it also intercepted Iranian missiles and drones. [2]

Closure of the Strait of Hormuz

Following the attack on the container ship, Iran declared that the Strait of Hormuz would once again remain closed. [3] Iranian authorities said several commercial vessels had ignored repeated warnings and attempted to use an "unauthorized route" through the strategic waterway. [3] The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced that the Strait would remain shut until "the end of U.S. interference in this region." [3] Iran also warned that any further retaliation by Washington would invite a "severe response." [3] Iran announced it was again closing the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday and hit Gulf neighbours in retaliation for US strikes, further undermining efforts to salvage Middle East peace efforts. [1] While Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz is closed, US Central Command has maintained that commercial vessels continue to transit the route, which normally carries around one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. [3] The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically important shipping lanes, carrying around one-fifth of global seaborne oil and liquefied natural gas supplies before the conflict erupted. [3] Its renewed closure has intensified concerns over global energy security. [3] Oil prices have surged as markets fear prolonged disruption to supplies, raising the prospect of higher fuel costs, inflation and slower economic growth worldwide. [3] The United States insists that commercial shipping must continue without restrictions and has repeatedly demanded that Iran publicly guarantee safe passage through the waterway. [3] Iran, however, continues to argue that it has the right to regulate navigation and has indicated it intends to charge vessels using the route, a position Washington rejects. [3]

US airstrikes target Iranian military sites in response to Strait of Hormuz vessel attack. — Source: timesofindia

Explosions Reported Inside Iran

Iranian media reported explosions across its southern coast, including in Bandar Abbas, Sirik and Qeshm Island. [2] Iranian state media also reported explosions in Bandar Abbas, Sirik, Jask, Qeshm Island and Khuzestan province. [3] The US military said it hit 140 targets inside Iran overnight in a third round of strikes launched in response to an attack on a ship in the Gulf. [2]

Ongoing Diplomacy and Leadership Statements

Even as fighting intensified, diplomatic contacts continued behind the scenes. [3] Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi met Omani counterpart Badr Albusaidi in Muscat to discuss maritime security and mechanisms to ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. [3] According to Iran's foreign ministry, both sides exchanged "views on appropriate mechanisms for the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz." [3] Oman's state news agency said negotiations would continue "at the technical and political levels." [3] However, Araqchi accused Washington of violating the earlier ceasefire arrangement. [3] "There can only be mutual compliance," he wrote on X. [3] Iran's Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf also issued a warning to the United States. [3] "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking." [3] Pakistan's top diplomat called on all sides to "show restraint" in a call with his Iranian counterpart. [2] India's Ministry of External Affairs reiterated New Delhi's call for restraint. [3]

What to watch next: Diplomatic efforts continue with Iran's foreign minister meeting his Omani counterpart to discuss safe navigation, even as Iran's Parliament Speaker issued warnings and US officials warned of further costs to Iran.