Tensions escalate in Strait of Hormuz following attack on Cyprus-flagged vessel

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, a Cyprus-flagged container ship, the M/V GFS Galaxy, owned by Gulf Navigation Holding, was attacked by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Strait of Hormuz. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that the vessel sustained significant engine room damage and a fire, leaving one crew member missing. While the US claims the attack was unprovoked, Iranian sources allege the ship had disabled its transponder and was following an unauthorized route. Following the incident, Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice. In response, the US launched a third wave of airstrikes against Iranian military positions in Sirik, Bandar Abbas, and Minab. The Pentagon stated these strikes aim to degrade Iran's ability to threaten commercial shipping. Regional reports also indicated potential Iranian ballistic missile responses and threats against the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain.