In a statement, CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper said Iran had attacked seven commercial ships over the past week, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members being killed, injured or reported missing.

“Over the past seven days, Iran has intentionally targeted civilians across the region by attacking seven commercial ships, resulting in nearly a dozen civilian crew members killed, missing or injured,” Cooper said.

He also accused Iran of launching dozens of missiles and drones toward neighbouring Gulf countries, adding that US forces were “holding Iran accountable for unwarranted aggression that continues to endanger innocent lives.”

The remarks came as CENTCOM announced another round of US strikes against Iran, saying American fighter aircraft, drones and naval vessels targeted dozens of military sites near the Strait of Hormuz and along Iran’s coastline in a seven-hour operation.

The command also said the United States had resumed its naval blockade of vessels travelling to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas.