U.S. forces on Saturday launched a third round of strikes against Iran this week after a Cyprus-flagged container ship was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Central Command said.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy announced early Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed until further notice, after striking a vessel that attempted to transit the strategic waterway through an unapproved route on Saturday.
A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engineroom damage, according to the U.S. Central Command.
"Iran was provided yet another opportunity to demonstrate adherence to the Memorandum of Understanding after being held accountable for earlier attacks on commercial vessels but has again failed," the command said in a post on social media platform X.
"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," it said.
Explosions were reported in the southern Iranian cities of Bushehr, Asaluyeh and Bandar Deyr, according to local sources on Sunday.
Residents also reported multiple blast sounds in parts of Bushehr province early Saturday morning. The exact locations of the explosions remain unclear.
As of now, no official agencies have issued any statements on the incident.
U.S. forces launch 3rd round of strikes this week against Iran: Central Command
