The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that it launched the third phase of attacks against Iran early Sunday morning, stating that the operation was carried out under the orders of the U.S. Commander-in-Chief.
In a statement, CENTCOM said the attacks began after Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) targeted a cargo vessel flying the Cyprus flag in the Strait of Hormuz. According to the statement, one civilian crew member is missing, a fire on the vessel is still ongoing, and the ship is no longer capable of moving.
The U.S. command stated that Iran had previously been warned about attacks against commercial vessels and had been given an opportunity to remain committed to reaching a mutual understanding, but, according to U.S. officials, Tehran once again failed to uphold its commitments.
CENTCOM emphasized that the ongoing strikes would inflict “heavy damage” on Iran and that the operations are being conducted under the direct orders of the U.S. Commander-in-Chief.
Earlier, the IRGC had announced that it had stopped a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz after firing on it. The IRGC also warned that if U.S. attacks continued, it would target additional American positions in the region.
In a statement issued by the IRGC’s naval forces, it said that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until further notice and until the end of what it described as “U.S. interference,” and that no vessels would be permitted to pass through the strategic waterway.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
