US launches strikes at Iran in retaliation after Tehran fires missile at cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz causing 'heavy damage' as crucial waterway is now closed

By WILKO MARTÍNEZ-CACHERO, US REPORTER Published: 00:45, 12 July 2026 | Updated: 00:58, 12 July 2026 The US has launched retaliatory strikes against Iran after a cargo ship attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz was heavily damaged by a missile strike. Iran fired a missile at a Cyprus-flagged container ship attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, causing fire and significant damage to the vessel, according to US Central Command on X. A civilian crew member is still missing after the 'blatant' attack, which forced the ship to stop its journey.  '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,' US Central Command said. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) declared the strait closed until further notice after the attack, according to a statement cited by CNN. 'Given the precariousness that was caused by this unlawful interference by outside parties, the Strait of Hormuz is to be closed until further notice and until regional interference by the US ceases,' the statement read.  'No vessel or naval craft will be allowed to pass,' it added.  The vessel was attempting to use an unauthorized route to cross the waterway, the IRGC claimed.  Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard declared the Strait of Hormuz closed until further notice after firing a missile at a cargo ship President Trump said Friday that the US had agreed to continue negotiating with Iran but 'that the Cease Fire is OVER!'  The IRGC said the strait would be closed 'until regional interference by the US ceases' The US military's strikes on Saturday night, which began around 7.15pm Eastern time, marked the third round against Iran this week.  On Friday, President Trump said on Truth Social that he had agreed to continue negotiating with Iran but insisted 'that the Cease Fire is OVER!'  The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment.  This is a breaking news story. More to come.