US Commander Accuses Iran of Deliberately Targeting Civilians Across Region

The commander of United States Central Command has accused Iran of deliberately attacking civilians across the Middle East, claiming that over the past week Iranian forces have struck seven commercial vessels, resulting in the deaths, injuries or disappearance of nearly a dozen civilian crew members. General Brad Cooper made the allegations in a statement released on Wednesday evening, escalating tensions over escalating maritime incidents in the region. The accusations form part of a broader pattern of alleged Iranian military activity that has raised concerns among Western powers operating in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters. Iran has previously denied responsibility for attacks on shipping in the region, attributing them to other actors or claiming self-defence in response to what it describes as hostile actions. The incidents have intensified concerns about freedom of navigation and the safety of international maritime traffic, with several nations increasing naval presence in the area to protect commercial shipping lanes. General Cooper also stated that Iranian forces have launched dozens of missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles towards neighbouring Gulf states, further underlining what American military officials characterise as an escalating campaign of regional aggression. The allegations come at a time of heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with tensions simmering over wider geopolitical disputes in the Middle East.

Source: Walla News — Original article in Hebrew.