What Happened: The Attack on GFS Galaxy

On Sunday, July 12, 2026, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked the MV GFS Galaxy — a Cyprus-flagged commercial container ship — as it was transiting the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Oman. The attack caused an onboard fire and inflicted significant damage to the ship’s engine room, leaving the vessel unable to continue its journey.

There were 11 Indian nationals on board the vessel at the time of the attack. Ten crew members managed to escape in a lifeboat and were rescued by local Omani authorities. One Indian national remains missing and a search and rescue operation is currently underway, coordinated between India’s Embassy in Oman and Omani authorities.

“We condemn the attack on the commercial vessel GFS Galaxy off the coast of Oman. Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while 1 Indian National is reportedly missing. Our Embassy in Oman is closely monitoring the situation and proactively coordinating with the Omani authorities in the ongoing Search and Rescue operation.” — MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, July 12, 2026

India’s Official Response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a strong statement Sunday, using some of its sharpest language yet regarding the maritime situation in the region. The ministry described the ongoing attacks on commercial shipping as “deeply worrisome” and directly called for all parties to end the targeting of civilian vessels and infrastructure.

The MEA statement called for “immediate de-escalation of tensions” and stated that “free and unimpeded navigation and commerce through the international waterways in the region, in keeping with international law, must be restored at the earliest.” India also thanked the Omani authorities for their swift support in rescue operations.

US Launches Third Round of Strikes on Iran

The attack on the GFS Galaxy immediately triggered the US military’s third round of strikes against Iran this week. US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a statement at 7:15 PM ET Sunday confirming the launch of fresh strikes, saying that IRGC forces had “blatantly attacked” the GFS Galaxy while it was in transit.

US forces hit approximately 140 Iranian military targets using precision munitions launched from land- and sea-based fighter aircraft, drones, and naval vessels. CENTCOM stated: “The United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran’s ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait.” The US also confirmed that Iran had been given prior warning — under a Memorandum of Understanding — but had again failed to comply.

Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz — Fires at Gulf Nations

In retaliation for the US strikes, Iran’s IRGC announced the formal closure of the Strait of Hormuz — one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, through which approximately 20% of the world’s traded oil passes. Iran stated the closure would remain in effect until US military intervention in the region ceases.

Iran simultaneously launched missiles and drones at multiple Gulf nations hosting US military bases — Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. Qatar’s military confirmed it had successfully intercepted incoming Iranian missiles, though three people including a child were injured by falling debris from interception operations. The UAE issued a public warning about incoming missiles. Oman’s Musandam Governorate — which juts into the Strait of Hormuz — was also targeted by drones. Jordan reported three Iranian missiles falling inside its territory, with no casualties.

Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters to the World

The Strait of Hormuz is arguably the most strategically vital maritime chokepoint on earth. At its narrowest point, it is only 33 kilometres wide — yet through this narrow passage flows approximately 20% of the world’s oil trade, including massive quantities of crude oil from Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, UAE, and Iran itself. Any sustained closure or serious disruption of the Strait directly impacts global oil prices and energy security for dozens of nations, including India.

India is particularly vulnerable to Strait of Hormuz disruptions. India imports over 85% of its crude oil needs, with a significant portion coming from Gulf nations. Any prolonged closure or escalation in these waters could push oil prices sharply higher, affecting fuel costs, transportation, and inflation across the Indian economy. Thousands of Indian workers are also employed across Gulf nations — making regional stability a matter of direct national interest for India.

Wider Context: How Did We Get Here?

The current escalation is part of a larger conflict that began on February 28, 2026, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran — including one that killed former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since then, the region has seen a sustained cycle of military exchanges. The US and Iran had reached an interim ceasefire agreement, which mediators — including Pakistan and Oman — had been working to preserve. Sunday’s attack on the GFS Galaxy, and the US response, has severely strained that agreement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held calls Sunday with his Pakistani counterpart and had traveled to Muscat, Oman on Saturday for diplomatic discussions. Oman had reportedly drafted a proposal to manage Strait of Hormuz traffic — a key sticking point in the conflict — but the GFS Galaxy attack occurred before any agreement could be reached. Pakistan, as a key mediator between the US and Iran, remains in active contact with both sides.