Iran: Deliberate Attacks on Civilian Ships in Strait of Hormuz Constitute Apparent War Crimes

Last updated: 22 September 2026

Human Rights Watch published a major report on March 24, 2026 concluding that Iranian forces appear to have deliberately targeted at least two civilian commercial ships in and around the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026 — acts that would constitute war crimes under international humanitarian law. The attacks and associated threats may also contribute to significant global increases in energy, food, and other critical commodity costs, further harming people's economic and social rights.

The Attacks and Their Legal Significance

On March 11, 2026, Iranian forces conducted what HRW describes as deliberate attacks on at least two civilian commercial vessels in or near the Strait of Hormuz. Under international humanitarian law — specifically the laws and customs of naval warfare — attacks deliberately targeting civilian objects, including commercial ships not contributing to any military effort, are strictly prohibited and constitute war crimes. The principle of distinction, which requires warring parties to distinguish at all times between combatants and civilians and between military objectives and civilian objects, applies fully to naval warfare.

Deliberately targeting civilian ships and their crew members is a war crime. War crimes do not justify further war crimes, and Iran, the United States, and Israel should all immediately end unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian objects.

Niku Jafarnia, Middle East and North Africa researcher, Human Rights Watch

Broader Context: Escalation in the Gulf

The attacks come in the context of escalating military tensions in and around the Persian Gulf involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. HRW notes that all parties to the conflict have an obligation under international humanitarian law to protect civilian life and civilian objects, regardless of the actions of adversaries. The organisation stresses that no claimed military justification excuses deliberate attacks on civilian vessels.

Economic Rights at Risk Globally

The Strait of Hormuz is the transit route for approximately 20–30 percent of the world's oil supply. Attacks on commercial shipping in the strait, and the threat of further attacks, have already begun to affect insurance premiums, shipping routes, and energy prices. HRW notes that the economic consequences of prolonged disruption to maritime traffic would be felt disproportionately by low-income populations and developing countries most vulnerable to food and energy price shocks.

Source: Human Rights Watch