The United States has accused Iran of attacking seven commercial vessels over the past week, alleging that the strikes killed, injured or left missing nearly a dozen civilian crew members as tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate.
The allegations came as Washington intensified military operations in the region and reinstated a naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports. The latest claims also follow attacks on two tankers carrying Indian seafarers, one of whom was killed.
US alleges attacks on civilian shipping
In a statement issued on Tuesday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) alleged that Iranian forces deliberately targeted commercial vessels and also launched dozens of missiles and drones towards neighbouring Gulf countries.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said the attacks had directly affected civilian crews.
“Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured. Iranian forces have also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighbouring Gulf countries. U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives,” Adm. Brad Cooper said.
The statement comes amid an escalating confrontation between the United States and Iran following continued military operations and growing concerns over maritime security in West Asia.
US resumes naval blockade around Iranian ports
Hours after carrying out what it described as an additional round of strikes against Iran, the United States reinstated its naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said the blockade resumed at 4 pm ET. It said US forces were continuing operations aimed at reducing capabilities that Washington claims are being used to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to CENTCOM, more than 20 US naval warships and hundreds of military aircraft have been deployed across the region as part of the operation.
The US military has repeatedly accused Iran of threatening freedom of navigation and commercial shipping in waters around the Strait of Hormuz, a key global maritime trade route.
India raises concerns after attacks on tankers
Earlier, India expressed deep concern over attacks on the vessels MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa while they were transiting the Strait of Hormuz.
The two tankers had a combined crew of 46, including 30 Indian seafarers.
Among the 12 Indian nationals aboard MT Al Bahiyah, one was killed and another was injured.
On MT Mombasa, nine of the 18 Indian crew members sustained injuries. Two of them are reported to be seriously hurt.
According to the UAE Ministry of Defence, the UAE-flagged tankers Mombasa and Bahiyah were struck by Iranian cruise missiles while passing through the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz in Omani territorial waters.
(With inputs from ANI)