Tehran: Iran on Saturday accused the US and Israel of targeting civilian vessels in Gulf waters through airstrikes, warning that it would make a 'harsh response' if such attacks continue. The remarks came in a statement issued by Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, which oversees military operations.

According to Anadolu Agency, the statement from Iran accused the American and Zionist enemies of attacking private ships and passenger transport vessels in the Gulf. It suggested these actions were a result of successive defeats suffered by the US and Israel and their inability to confront Iran's armed forces. The statement warned that if these 'despicable attacks' are repeated, Iran will take 'harsh response measures.'

The Iranian statement did not provide specific details about the alleged attacks. The US-Israeli strikes on Iran reportedly began on February 28, prompting Tehran to retaliate with repeated drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and Gulf countries that host US military assets.