US military launches third round of strikes against Iran this week

By: Aleena Fayaz

The US military said Saturday night it began launching strikes against Iran — the third round this week — in response to an attack on a ship passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

US Central Command said Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces “blatantly attacked” a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz, and one crew member is missing.

“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,” CENTCOM said in a post on X.

The strikes began at 7:15 p.m. ET, according to CENTCOM, and a US official said they are ongoing.

CENTCOM said the US is “imposing a heavy cost” at the direction of President Donald Trump.

“Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said on social media.

CNN’s Zachary Cohen contributed to this report.