US Attack on Civilian Cargo Boats Near Iran Shores Kills 5

A report has claimed that the United States carried out an attack on two civilian cargo boats traveling from the Omani coast toward Iranian shores, resulting in the deaths of at least five people on board.

According to Tasnim News Agency, citing a military source, the incident occurred in the waters between Oman and Iran. The source strongly rejected US claims that IRGC speedboats were targeted, stating: “Instead of targeting IRGC speedboats, the United States, in a blatant crime, opened fire on two small boats carrying civilians’ goods.”

The source further clarified that no Iranian military vessels were hit, prompting local verification of the incident. “Given that none of the IRGC’s combat vessels had been hit, local sources were consulted to verify the nature of the incident.”

Investigations reportedly showed that the attacked boats were small civilian cargo vessels transporting goods from Khasab along the Omani coast toward Iran. “The investigation revealed that US forces had [actually] attacked and fired on two small cargo boats transporting goods belonging to civilians. The boats were traveling from [the town of] Khasab, along the coast of Oman, towards Iranian shores. The attack resulted in the deaths of five civilian passengers.”

The source said the United States must be held accountable for what it described as a serious crime, alleging that the attack stemmed from panic and misjudgment amid heightened tensions in the region.

The report comes amid ongoing friction in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, where tensions have escalated since late February following renewed confrontations involving the United States and Israel. Iran has since increased maritime restrictions and defensive measures in the strategic waterway.

Iranian authorities have also referenced stricter controls following recent US actions, including sanctions and reported naval restrictions, which Tehran considers violations of international agreements.

The situation remains highly sensitive, with regional forces maintaining heightened readiness amid fears of further escalation in one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.