US army chief: Iran fired on commercial ships nine times, seized two vessels

The United States says Iranian forces have repeatedly targeted commercial shipping in the Persian Gulf, escalating pressure on one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors.

“They’ve attacked US forces more than 10 times, all below the threshold of restarting major combat operations at this point,” said Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Iran International reports.

He added that Iran had also intensified pressure on civilian maritime traffic. Caine noted that Iran had also fired at commercial vessels nine times and seized two container ships since a ceasefire was announced, adding the actions were part of efforts to disrupt global trade. 

The incidents have contributed to wider disruption in the region, with tens of thousands of mariners reportedly affected. Caine said “around 22,500 mariners aboard more than 1,550 commercial vessels remain stranded in the Persian Gulf due to the disruption.”

He also warned that the situation is impacting a vital global energy route. He added that Iran’s actions were affecting a key maritime route that handles roughly one-fifth of global oil consumption, with US forces working to secure shipping and maintain freedom of navigation.

By Sabina Mammadli