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US Launches 3rd Round of Strikes on Iran After IRGC Closes Strait of Hormuz; Global Oil Supply at Risk

Target:UPSC GS-IIMPSCSSC GATeachingPrelims HighMains MediumStatic GK Link
11 Jul 2026
~2 min
Source: Indian Express
Key Data:Third round of strikes this weekCyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy~1/5 of world's traded oil and gasStrait of Hormuz closed until further notice
Bodies:US Central Command (CENTCOM)Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)Oman (mediator)
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What This Article Covers

1.US CENTCOM launched third round of strikes on Iranian radar, missile/drone storage, and launch facilities after IRGC attacked Cyprus-flagged container ship M/V GFS Galaxy, causing engine-room damage and one crew missing.

2.IRGC announced closure of Strait of Hormuz until further notice, warning no vessels allowed until 'American interventions' end, raising global energy supply concerns.

3.Escalation comes amid fragile Omani-brokered negotiations; US warns of further action, Iran vows retaliation.

The Big Picture
Prelims · HighMains · Medium

The US launched its third round of airstrikes on Iranian military targets this week after Iran's IRGC attacked a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and subsequently closed the waterway. This escalation threatens global energy supplies as the strait handles ~20% of the world's traded oil and gas. The situation remains volatile with both sides exchanging threats and diplomatic efforts by Oman stalled.

Exam Lens

Quick Exam Facts From News

US Strikes RoundThird round this week (July 2026)
Targeted VesselM/V GFS Galaxy (Cyprus-flagged container ship)
Strait of Hormuz Oil Share~1/5 of world's traded oil and gas
IRGC ActionClosed Strait of Hormuz until further notice
US Defense SecretaryPete Hegseth

1-Minute Revision

  • ›US Strikes Round: Third round this week (July 2026)
  • ›Targeted Vessel: M/V GFS Galaxy (Cyprus-flagged container ship)
  • ›Target this Data: Third round of US strikes this week (July 2026)
  • ›Target this Nodal Body: US Central Command (CENTCOM)
  • ›Target this Waterway: Strait of Hormuz – carries ~1/5 of global oil and gas

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Q1Static LinkageEasy

Which US military command was responsible for launching the strikes on Iranian targets mentioned in the news?

Q2Statement-basedHard

Consider the following statements:

1. The US launched its third round of strikes on Iran this week in response to an attack on a commercial vessel.

2. The IRGC announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz until further notice after the US strikes.

3. The attacked vessel was a US-flagged container ship named M/V GFS Galaxy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Q3Data-centricMedium

According to the article, approximately what fraction of the world's traded oil and gas passes through the Strait of Hormuz?

Q4Application/ImpactMedium

What is the primary concern raised by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as mentioned in the article?

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