Iran to Security Council: US Ship Seizures Threaten Global Maritime Safety

In a letter dated Wednesday addressed to the UN Security Council, Amir Saeid Iravani said he was writing “to bring to the urgent attention” of the Council the “continuing internationally wrongful acts of the United States through yet another piracy-style seizure and deliberate targeting of commercial vessels,” specifically naming the M/T Majestic and M/T Tifani.

Iravani referred to a recent public statement by a US attorney, calling it “an explicit and deliberate admission of internationally wrongful conduct.” He highlighted that the attorney had “boasted of the pirate-style seizure” of the two vessels and the alleged theft of 3.8 million barrels of Iranian oil.

“The US attorney’s statement clearly confirms that the United States armed forces have interdicted, boarded, and forcibly seized Iran’s commercial vessels on the high seas on the basis of their bullying attitude,” the letter stated.

He further said, “Such conduct is nothing but another clear example of US addiction to lawlessness and constitutes a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations, in particular Article 2(4).”

According to the letter, these actions fall within the definition of an “act of aggression” under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314 (1974), which defines aggression as the use of armed force by one state against another.

The ambassador warned that such actions against commercial vessels threaten maritime safety and security and further escalate tensions in the region.

“In substance and effect, such actions are identical to state-sponsored piracy and terrorism, carried out under the guise of domestic processes that have no standing under international law,” the letter added.

Iravani stressed that the United States bears full international responsibility for the consequences of these actions and affirmed that “the Islamic Republic of Iran has every right, in accordance with international law, to counter these insolent actions.”

He concluded by urging the Security Council to condemn the seizures, demand the immediate and unconditional release of all vessels, cargo, and property, and take measures to prevent their recurrence.

The developments come as the United States reportedly continued such actions despite President Donald Trump’s announcement on April 7 of a temporary pause in unprovoked military pressure on Iran.

Tehran has condemned the measures as a violation of ceasefire terms and responded by restricting maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, except for vessels authorized by Iranian authorities.

Iran has also rejected any return to negotiations with Washington as long as the blockade remains in place.