The United States military has issued an urgent warning for civilians to flee ports in Iran. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the Iranian regime was using civilian ports to carry out militaryoperations in the Strait of Hormuz,the vital narrow channel separating the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman through which 20% of the world's oil tanker shipping flows through.
Tankers have been attacked in the strait and sea traffic has been severely reduced causing a global spike in oil prices. Iran has previouslythreatened to "set fire" to shipsusing the route. There have been 13 suspected Iranian attacks on vessels operating around the Gulf since the war began on February 28.
US PresidentDonald Trumphad warned of military consequences at "a level never seen before" if Iran shut down the strait, and the Americans said they have "eliminated" 16 Iranian vessels capable of laying mines in the waterway.
As it issued the warning today (Wednesday) CENTCOM also said it could "cannot guarantee civilian safety" at ports being used by the Iranian military, perhaps signalling imminent US attacks.
In a statement CENTCOM said: "US forces urge civilians in Iran to immediately avoid all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating."
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"The Iranian regime is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping.
"This dangerous action risks the lives of innocent people. Civilian ports used for military purposes lose protected status and become legitimate military targets under international law."
The statement continued: "CENTCOM urges civilians in Iran to immediately avoid all port facilities where Iranian naval forces are operating. Iranian dockworkers, administrative personnel, and commercial vessel crews should avoid Iranian naval vessels and military equipment.
Source: Daily Express :: World Feed
