Iranian forces struck the GFS Galaxy after accusing the vessel of ignoring navigation orders in Hormuz.U.S. forces launched a third round of strikes as Tehran declared the strategic waterway closed indefinitely.Hormuz carries about 20 million barrels of oil daily and roughly 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade.Nearly 6,000 seafarers remain stranded as severe security risks sharply reduce commercial shipping traffic.A Cyprus-flagged container ship was struck in the Strait of Hormuz after Iranian forces accused it of violating navigation instructions in the strategic channel. The attack pushed an already volatile maritime dispute into a more dangerous phase and prompted another round of American military action.BREAKING: Iran has fired a missile at a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, hitting and damaging the vessel, defying the US ultimatum, US officials say.Details include:1. The attack comes just hours after President Trump demanded that Iran publicly guarantee safe…— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) July 11, 2026 The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the M/V GFS Galaxy switched off its systems, followed an unauthorized route, and ignored orders to change course. Tehran called the action a warning shot, while U.S. Central Command reported major engine-room damage, a fire, and one missing civilian crew member.GFS Galaxy Strike Triggers Fresh U.S.-Iran EscalationCENTCOM said American forces began a third round of strikes against Iranian positions shortly after the vessel was hit. The exact weapon remained unconfirmed, although initial social-media reports described the incident as a missile attack.Iran then declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice, linking the decision to continued U.S. involvement in the region. Iranian officials warned that further retaliation could include attacks on additional American-linked military bases.Initially, Washington demanded a public guarantee that commercial vessels could use every shipping lane without facing attacks, restrictions, or tolls. However, President Donald Trump said Friday that the ceasefire had ended, even as he maintained that negotiations with Tehran would continue.Despite the renewed fighting, diplomatic efforts remained active. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi met Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Albusaidi in Muscat to discuss possible mechanisms for ensuring safe passage through the region.Following the meeting, Oman said negotiations would continue at both technical and political levels. Meanwhile, a reported framework proposed keeping the southern corridor in Omani waters open to international shipping.Under that proposal, vessels using the northern lane would require prior Iranian approval but would not pay tolls.Hormuz Disruption Deepens Energy and Seafarer RisksThe incident followed earlier attacks on Qatari and Saudi commercial tankers. Those strikes led to U.S. attacks on Iranian positions and retaliatory action against American military sites across Gulf states.As a result, the Joint Maritime Information Center raised the threat level for Strait of Hormuz transits to severe. Traffic had fallen to between one-fifth and one-third of prewar levels. The economic exposure is substantial because the waterway carries a large share of global energy supplies.About 20 million barrels of oil moved through it daily in 2024. That volume represented roughly one-fifth of worldwide petroleum consumption, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data. About 20% of global liquefied natural gas trade also used the route.Most of that gas came from Qatar, leaving Asian importers especially exposed to interruptions. At the same time, fewer vessel movements could increase insurance and transport costs, even without a complete physical blockade.Beyond the economic impact, the disruption has also intensified risks for maritime workers. The International Maritime Organization said nearly 6,000 seafarers remained stranded aboard hundreds of vessels in the Persian Gulf on July 8.Consequently, the IMO urged operators to avoid unnecessary voyages while crews could not be protected. It had also verified at least 46 attacks on international shipping near Hormuz since February 28.Although Iran’s declaration cannot automatically prevent every vessel from sailing, military threats, damaged ships, and rising insurance costs can severely restrict maritime traffic. The GFS Galaxy attack therefore intensified pressure on diplomatic negotiations while threatening the gradual recovery of regional shipping. The post Iran Fires Missile at Commercial Vessel in Strait of Hormuz, U.S. Officials Say appeared first on Blockonomi.