US hits almost 140 Iranian targets in tit-for-tat strikes: CENTCOM
Florida, July 12
The US Central Command on Saturday completed a third round of strikes this week against Iran, saying they were holding Iranian forces accountable for attacking another commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz, an official statement by CENTCOM said.
US forces hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets with precision munitions launched by land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels. Targets included Iranian missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communication networks, and coastal surveillance locations.
During three nights of strikes this week, CENTCOM has struck more than 300 targets at the direction of the Commander in Chief to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial vessels freely transiting the strait. Commercial vessel transits through the vital international maritime corridor continue, as per CENTCOM.
Since early May, US forces have helped facilitate the successful transit of more than 800 commercial vessels and 400 million barrels of crude oil through the Strait of Hormuz.
This comes as earlier in the day, CENTCOM attacked the Cyprus-flagged container vessel M/V GFS Galaxy in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to an official post on X by US Central Command (CENTCOM), a civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel is unable to continue its journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage.
"At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM stated.
CENTCOM added that Iran had been provided an opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels, but had "again failed."
"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 strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief," said the 'X' post.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The US says they gave Iran a chance to follow the MoU, but then strikes again. This feels like a cycle of violence with no end. Meanwhile, the missing crew member from the container ship—hope they are found safe. Why can't diplomacy work for once?
As an Indian Navy veteran, I've seen how critical the Strait of Hormuz is. 400 million barrels of crude oil transited with US help? That's huge for global energy security. But tit-for-tat strikes risk dragging regional powers in. India must maintain its independent foreign policy and not pick sides. 🌍
Respectfully, I think the US response is justified. Iran attacked a merchant vessel—that's piracy on the high seas. CENTCOM is protecting free navigation. But 140 targets in one night? That's massive. Hope our allies in India are watching; the world needs stability there.
Yaar, this is scary. Every time the US and Iran clash, oil prices go up, and we in India feel it at the petrol pump. But also, civilian crew members missing? That's tragic. Why can't there be a permanent solution instead of these strikes? 😔
I'm no military expert, but hitting 300+ targets in a week seems excessive. Degrading Iran's ability to attack ships is one thing, but this feels like an attempt to provoke a larger conflict. India should call for de-escalation and protect its own interests. Just my humble opinion.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.