India, Nov. 2 -- The United States military has accused Iran of killing more than 20 civilian mariners in and around the Strait of Hormuz in recent months, escalating the ongoing dispute between Washington and Tehran over attacks on civilian targets and maritime security.

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) made the allegation in a post on X, rejecting Iran's claim that it has not attacked civilians in neighbouring Gulf countries. The command accused Tehran of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure, residential neighbourhoods and commercial shipping vessels.

The latest accusation comes amid continuing tensions in the Middle East, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining a major concern for international shipping, oil transportation and ...