US military rejects Iran’s claim it is intimidating civilian mariners

U.S. Central Command (CentCom) has firmly rejected Iran's assertion that American forces are employing aggressive language towards Iranian seafarers, dismissing the claim as "false." Iran's envoy to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) had reported to the UN agency that U.S. forces were misusing VHF Channel 16, the global maritime distress and safety frequency, by communicating with Iranian crews in Persian using "threatening, abusive, and provocative language."

Iran alleged that these transmissions instilled "serious stress and psychological pressure" on civilian mariners, some of whom were even urged to abandon their vessels.

CentCom countered that the U.S. naval blockade has been in place for several months and has been "professionally communicated." The command accused Iran of being "the sole nation targeting civilian mariners in regional waters," while asserting that commercial traffic continues unimpeded through the Strait of Hormuz under the coordinated protection of U.S. forces and regional partners. The statement by CentCom did not furnish any evidence or address the specific radio communications referenced in Iran's complaint.

This dispute emerges amid escalating confrontations with commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. Recent reports indicate projectiles hitting a tanker and a container ship north of the Musandam Peninsula on October 13, following six similar incidents two days prior. Iran has urged the IMO to disseminate its protest and take action, arguing that no armed conflict or blockade can justify transforming a protected safety channel into a tool of intimidation.