US Central Command warned Iranian civilians Wednesday to keep clear of ports used by Islamic Republic forces to launch attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
“Civilian ports used for military purposes lose protected status and become legitimate military targets under international law,” the Tampa, Fla.-based command said in a statement.
Thai bulk carrier “Mayuree Naree'” near the Strait of Hormuz catches on fire after an attack. ROYAL THAI NAVY/AFP via Getty Images
CENTCOM released video of an Iranian naval vessel moments before it was struck by a projectile near the Strait of Hormuz. US Central Command (CENTCOM)/AFP via Getty Images“Iranian dockworkers, administrative personnel, and commercial vessel crews should avoid Iranian naval vessels and military equipment,” CENTCOM added. “Iranian naval forces have positioned military vessels and equipment within civilian ports serving commercial maritime traffic.
“Although the US military also cannot guarantee civilian safety in or near facilities used by the Iranian regime for military purposes, American forces will continue taking every feasible precaution to minimize harm to civilians.”
Iran’s armed forces responded to the US with their own threats of retaliation should their ports come under fire.
“If Iran’s ports are threatened, all ports and docks in the region will be our legitimate targets,” Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi said in a statement.
The warning came after three vessels were attacked along the Strait of Hormuz, with Iran touting Wednesday’s strikes as the “most intense” of the war so far.
An illustration showing the impact of the airstrikes in the war against Iran by the Strait of Hormuz.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed direct responsibility for the attack on the Thai-flagged Mayuree Naree, which suffered a fire in its main engine room that forced the crew to evacuate.
Oman’s navy was deployed to rescue 20 of the ship’s 23 crew members following the attack, with sailors still working to save the remaining three, according to the Thai foreign ministry.
Tehran has continued to attack oil tankers and merchant vessels trying to navigate the Strait of Hormuz, a key trade route in the region that oversees the flow of 20% of the world’s oil supply.
With the war and closure of the strait, the cost of oil has turned volatile, with prices swinging wildly after the cost per barrel of Brent crude oil spiked to $119.50 over the weekend — 65% higher than the pre-war price before settling to $88 by Wednesday.
President Trump has directly warned Iran to keep the Strait of Hormuz clear, with US officials saying 16 minelaying vessels had been sunk on Tuesday.
