US Central Command (CentCom) on Wednesday rejected Iran’s allegation that American forces are using threatening language against Iranian sailors, calling the claim “false” and defending its months-long naval blockade of Iran.
Iran’s ambassador to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) had told the UN agency that US forces were misusing VHF Channel 16 — the international maritime distress and safety frequency — to address Iranian crews in Persian with “threatening, abusive, and provocative language.”
Iran said the transmissions had, in some cases, urged crews to abandon their vessels and caused “serious stress and psychological pressure” among civilian mariners.
CentCom response
CentCom said the US blockade has been in place for months and has been “professionally communicated.”
It accused Iran of being “the only country attacking civilian mariners transiting regional waters,” while saying commercial traffic continues through the Strait of Hormuz under coordinated protection from US forces and regional partners.
The US statement did not provide evidence or address the specific radio transmissions cited in Iran’s complaint.
CLAIM: Iran's ambassador to the International Maritime Organization recently claimed that the U.S. military is using "threatening, abusive, and provocative language" against Iranian mariners and causing "serious stress and psychological pressure to civilian crews." This is… pic.twitter.com/dLP1Fg82I3
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) October 14, 2026
Shipping tensions
The dispute comes as attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz have intensified.
Maritime authorities reported projectiles striking a tanker and container ship north of the Musandam Peninsula on Oct. 13, following six incidents two days earlier.
Iran has asked the IMO to circulate its protest and take action, arguing that no armed conflict or blockade justifies turning a protected safety channel into an instrument of intimidation.