Iran Condemns US Seizure of Oil Tankers as Piracy

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has formally condemned the reported seizure of Iranian oil tankers by United States authorities in international waters, characterizing the action as an act of piracy and a direct violation of established maritime law.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Ismail Baghai issued a statement denouncing the operation, asserting that the United States must be held accountable for what he described as the legalization of plunder on the high seas. Baghai emphasized that the seizure undermines international legal frameworks and poses a significant threat to global maritime security and free trade. He reiterated Tehran’s position that such unilateral actions contravene accepted norms governing international waters.

The condemnation follows recent announcements from U.S. judicial authorities confirming the detention of several Iranian-flagged vessels and the confiscation of their oil cargo. U.S. officials have previously justified similar maritime interdictions by citing sanctions enforcement and violations of international trade restrictions. However, Iranian authorities maintain that the vessels were operating legally and that the seizures lack a valid legal basis under international conventions.

Baghai’s remarks underscore the ongoing diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington regarding maritime operations and economic sanctions. Iranian officials have consistently argued that unilateral enforcement measures disrupt global shipping routes and set a dangerous precedent for international commerce. The Foreign Ministry has called for international bodies to address the incident, stressing that freedom of navigation must be protected from unilateral interference.

As of the latest reports, the detained tankers remain under U.S. custody, with legal proceedings regarding the confiscated cargo expected to continue in American courts. Tehran has indicated it will pursue diplomatic and legal channels to challenge the detentions and seek accountability for what it views as unlawful maritime actions.