US holds Iran accountable for commercial vessel crew deaths

The United States has declared Iran "accountable" for the deaths and injuries sustained by commercial vessel crew members, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM alleges that Iranian forces have deliberately targeted seven commercial ships over the past week, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing, or injured.

CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper stated in a release that Iran has intentionally attacked civilian vessels, leading to casualties. In addition to targeting ships, Iranian forces have also launched dozens of missiles and drones toward neighboring Gulf countries. "U.S. forces are holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives," Admiral Cooper said.

These accusations come amid heightened tensions in West Asia, marked by an escalating confrontation between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. military has repeatedly accused Iran of undermining maritime security and freedom of navigation in regional waters, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global trade route.

In response to the ongoing situation, the United States has reinstated a naval blockade targeting vessels traveling to and from Iranian ports. This action follows "additional strikes" against Iran amid the escalating tensions. CENTCOM announced the blockade's reinstatement, stating that U.S. forces are continuing operations aimed at degrading Iranian capabilities used to target commercial shipping.

The statement also noted the deployment of over 20 U.S. naval warships and hundreds of military aircraft across the region as part of the blockade. Earlier, India had expressed deep concern over attacks on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, which were transiting the Strait of Hormuz. These vessels carried 30 Indian seafarers, with one Indian national confirmed dead and others injured. The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that the UAE-flagged tankers were targeted by Iranian cruise missiles within Omani territorial waters.

“

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.