US launches third round of strikes on Iran

The US military has launched a third round of strikes on Iran after accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of carrying out an attack on a Cyprus-flagged container ship in the Strait of Hormuz, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said.

According to CENTCOM, the vessel caught fire and suffered engine damage during the alleged attack, leaving it unable to continue its voyage. It also said one crew member remains missing.

The command said Iran had been given another opportunity to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding signed on June 16 after being held responsible for previous attacks on commercial vessels, but had failed to do so.

In response, the United States launched further strikes aimed at weakening Iran's ability to target civilian mariners and commercial ships transiting through the Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM said.