Iranian Guards strike Cyprus‑flagged Galaxy vessel in Strait of Hormuz

On 11 July Iranian Revolutionary Guard forces fired on the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus‑flagged container ship, as it passed through the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran said the vessel was on an unapproved route and had turned off its transponder. The strike ignited a fire, caused extensive engine‑room damage and forced the crew to abandon ship. Twenty‑three crew members of various nationalities were rescued by the Omani navy; an Indian seaman initially went missing and was later confirmed dead.

The United States Central Command reported that the attack triggered a new wave of US strikes on Iranian sites in the region. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Iran had made a "bad choice" and would now "pay the price." Iran warned that any country used as a launchpad for attacks would become a legitimate target. The damaged ship is being towed to Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates, while the Strait remains temporarily closed to navigation.