The world was left shaken as war-like tensions flared up once again between the US and Iran. The situation escalated sharply after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel MV GFS Galaxy while it was passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The attack damaged the ship’s engine room and triggered a massive fire, with one crew member going missing in the incident.
Taking the attack seriously, US President Donald Trump immediately ordered retaliatory strikes. American forces launched a third round of attacks on Iran at 5:45 AM on Saturday. Reports indicate large explosions occurred in Iranian coastal areas including Bushehr, Asaluyeh, Bandar Abbas, and Jask. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that Iran’s use of its capabilities to obstruct commercial vessels would not be tolerated, and that Iran would pay a heavy price for its wrong decision.
Iran, meanwhile, showed no signs of backing down. Accusing the US of interfering with its vessels, Iran announced the closure of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi lashed out, alleging that the US was acting against international law, particularly by violating the agreement through sanctions on Iran’s oil exports.
Following these developments, vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz has come to a complete halt. With the US also declaring the previously reached ceasefire understanding no longer valid, nations around the world are watching anxiously to see what the next course of action between the two countries will be.