The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday its forces have begun launching the third wave of strikes this week against Iran.

“At 7:15 p.m. ET today, U.S. 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,” said the CENTCOM in a press release.

“A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engine room damage,” it added.

“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,” it said.

“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,” it noted. – Kuna