Iran closes Strait of Hormuz, US launches fresh strikes

Key Points:

• The Iranian navy has closed the Strait of Hormuz after firing on a vessel accused of taking an "unapproved route," escalating tensions with the US, which responded with a third round of airstrikes targeting approximately 140 Iranian military sites this week.
• Iran retaliated by launching missile and drone attacks on US military bases and radar sites across the Gulf region, including locations in Jordan, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar, causing significant damage to strategic facilities.
• A Cyprus-flagged container ship, the GFS Galaxy, was struck near Oman amid the conflict, resulting in a fire onboard and one missing Indian crew member, while ten others were rescued; the crew has since abandoned the vessel.
• Pakistan’s Foreign Minister called for restraint and emphasized dialogue and diplomacy as the only viable means to resolve the conflict, highlighting Pakistan's ongoing mediation efforts between Iran and the US.
• Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused the US of violating a recent agreement on safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, warning that Iran will enforce its own terms and respond firmly to any breaches.