Iran's military command accuses US of attacking merchant vessel in Sea of Oman

Iran’s Supreme Joint Military Command Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters on April 20 accused the United States of violating a ceasefire by attacking an Iranian merchant ship in the Sea of Oman.

A spokesperson for the headquarters alleged that U.S. forces opened fire on the vessel, disabled its navigation system and boarded it with marines. The official described the incident as “an act of maritime piracy," Caliber.Az reports per Iranian media. 

In a statement, the spokesperson said Iranian armed forces had been prepared to respond with force but limited their actions due to the reported presence of crew members’ families on board, citing concerns for their safety.

“Given the current circumstances and after the safety of the families and crew members of the vessel has been confirmed, the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran will take the necessary measures,” the statement said.

By Sabina Mammadli