HRW Reports Iran Deliberately Attacked Civilian Ships in Hormuz; Labels Strikes Apparent War Crimes

Human Rights Watch documented that Iranian forces deliberately targeted at least two civilian commercial ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, labeling the attacks apparent war crimes. Between March 1 and 17, the UN confirmed 17 incidents of damage to commercial vessels. Seven seafarers and one shipyard worker were killed, four seafarers remain missing, and ten were injured. Iran did not present evidence that anything aboard the targeted vessels (Safesea Vishnu and Mayuree Naree) constituted military objects. HRW noted the attacks contributed to a 40% increase in crude oil prices and cascading cost increases in food and critical sectors.