The US military has announced a round of strikes against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces attacked a container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
"A civilian crew member is missing and the vessel is unable to continue the journey due to an onboard fire and significant engineroom damage," the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement on X.
CENTCOM noted it has started a third round of strikes on Iran after accusing the IRGC of "blatantly" attacking the ship.
The strikes were carried out at the direction of President Donald Trump.
"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, referring to the peace deal signed on 16 June.
"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," it added.
Explosions rock multiple port cities
Iran's IRIB state broadcaster is reporting more explosions across southern Iran.
It said three explosions each have been confirmed in the port cities of Bandar Abbas and Sirik.
Two blasts were heard in the port city of Chabahar, while five were heard in the city of Bandar-e Deyr in Bushehr province.
It added that four explosions were also heard in the city of Asaluyeh, which is also in Bushehr province.
Maritime alerts
Earlier, the British Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) says it has received a report of an incident some 9 nautical miles (16 kilometres) east of the Omani coast.
"Military authorities have reported that a container ship has sustained damage to the rear of the vessel which has caused a fire onboard," it said.
"Vessels are advised to transit with caution," it added.
The alert came moments after US Central Command announced the start of a third round of strikes on Iran citing an Iranian attack on a ship in the strait.
