US holds Iran "accountable" for deaths of commercial vessel crew, says 7 ships targeted
Washington DC, July 15
The United States on Tuesday held Iran "accountable" for the deaths and injuries of commercial vessel crew members, with US Central Command alleging that Iranian forces had targeted seven commercial ships over the past week and launched attacks against neighbouring Gulf countries.
In a statement, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said Iran had deliberately targeted civilian vessels, resulting in casualties among civilian crew members.
"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, CENTCOM Commander, said in the statement.
The statement comes amid heightened tensions in West Asia, with the United States and Iran engaged in an escalating confrontation following continued military operations and disruptions to maritime security in the region.
The US military has repeatedly accused Iran of threatening freedom of navigation and commercial shipping in regional waters, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes.
The latest statement from CENTCOM comes as the United States resumed the naval blockade targeting vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas, hours after an "additional round of strikes" against the Islamic Republic amid the escalating tensions in West Asia.
In a post on X, CENTCOM said the blockade was reinstated at 4 pm ET, as US forces continued operations aimed at reducing Iranian capabilities that Washington said were being used to target commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The CENTCOM noted that over 20 US naval warships and hundreds of military aircraft are deployed across the region as part of the blockade.
Earlier, India expressed its deepest concerns over the attack on two vessels, MT Al Bahiyah and MT Mombasa, during their transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
The two vessels were carrying 30 Indian seafarers, among their combined crew of 46.
Of the 12 Indian nationals onboard MT Al Bahiyah, one has tragically lost his life, and another has been injured.
Of the 18 Indian nationals onboard MT Mombasa, 9 have sustained injuries, including 2 who are reported to be seriously injured.
UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that the UAE-flagged tankers, Mombasa and Bahiyah, were targeted by Iranian cruise missiles while navigating the southern passage of the Strait of Hormuz within Omani territorial waters.
— ANI
Reader Comments
The Strait of Hormuz is a global chokepoint. If Iran is targeting commercial vessels with Indian crew, that's a direct threat to our economy too. India imports a lot of oil through that route. We can't stay neutral when our citizens and trade are at risk. 🇮🇳
This is a mess. The US talks about accountability while escalating with a naval blockade. Meanwhile, innocent Indian sailors are caught in the middle. I hope the Indian government is evacuating our seafarers from the region. Their safety should be priority number one. The seas are becoming a battlefield.
I've sailed through the Gulf before, and the tension is palpable. Iran has legitimate grievances about US actions, but targeting civilian vessels with Indian crew is unacceptable. India has good relations with both sides. We should use our diplomatic channels to de-escalate. The human cost is too high. 😔
Respectfully, the US holding Iran "accountable" while blockading Iran's ports is just escalating the cycle of violence. India should push for a ceasefire and safe passage for civilian vessels. Our seafarers are the backbone of global trade, and they deserve protection, not to be pawns in geopolitical games.
As an Australian, I'm glad the US is stepping up. Iran's actions are reckless. But I worry about Indian seafarers. My heart goes out to them and their families. The international community must ensure freedom of navigation. The Strait of Hormuz is too vital to the world economy to be held hostage. 🌏
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.