The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported on Sunday that a container vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman was damaged and caught fire.
Iran fires warning shots and announces closure of the Strait
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said through local media that several vessels had attempted to transit the Strait via an unauthorized route. According to the statement, the ships were instructed to alter their course, and warning shots were fired after they failed to comply. Iran's Fars News Agency also reported that the IRGC launched a cruise missile.
The IRGC further announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until U.S. military operations in the region come to an end, adding that no vessels would be permitted to transit during that period.
U.S. announces third wave of airstrikes
Following Iran's announcement, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said it had launched a third wave of air operations against Iran. In a statement posted on social media, CENTCOM claimed that the IRGC had targeted a container vessel transiting the Strait of Hormuz. According to the statement, one civilian crew member is missing, and the vessel is no longer able to continue its voyage after its engine room sustained severe damage.
CENTCOM also stated that Iran had been given another opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to the memorandum of understanding signed between Washington and Tehran, but that the effort had failed. The statement added that U.S. forces continue operations aimed at degrading Iran's ability to target commercial vessels and civilian mariners exercising the right of free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth wrote on social media: "Iran made a bad choice. Now it is paying the price."
Explosions reported in southern Iran
Iran's state news agency reported multiple explosions in several cities across southern Iran. According to the report, at least ten explosions were recorded at Jask Port, located on the Gulf of Oman outside the Strait of Hormuz.
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