Iran Condemns U.S. Seizure of Oil Tankers in Indian Ocean as Legalized Piracy
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TEHRAN — Iran on Sunday condemned the United States for seizing Iranian oil tankers in the Indian Ocean, denouncing the action as legalized piracy under the guise of seizure warrants. The incident marks a significant escalation in tensions between Tehran and Washington over the enforcement of unilateral sanctions on Iranian energy exports.
The United States Coast Guard intercepted two Iranian-flagged vessels approximately 200 nautical miles off the coast of Oman late Saturday. American officials stated the ships were carrying crude oil destined for a destination violating U.S. extraterritorial sanctions. Washington maintains that its sanctions regime remains in full effect, prohibiting third-party nations from purchasing Iranian oil without specific waivers.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Abbas Araqchi addressed the seizure during a press briefing in Tehran, labeling the operation a violation of international maritime law. "The United States is engaging in state-sponsored piracy," Araqchi said. "Seizing vessels on the high seas under fabricated warrants is an act of aggression that undermines global trade security."
Tehran has long argued that U.S. sanctions on its oil sector are illegal under international law and constitute economic warfare. The Iranian government insists its oil exports comply with all relevant international regulations and that the vessels were operating within their sovereign rights.
The U.S. State Department issued a statement reaffirming its commitment to enforcing sanctions designed to limit Iran's revenue streams. "These actions are necessary to prevent Iran from funding destabilizing activities in the region," a spokesperson said. The United States has not confirmed the current location of the detained crews or the seized cargo.
Diplomatic channels between the two nations remain closed, with no formal dialogue occurring since the U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal. The seizure adds to a series of maritime incidents involving Iranian and American vessels in the region over the past year.
Regional allies of Iran, including Iraq and Syria, have issued statements of support for Tehran, calling for the immediate release of the tankers. However, no military response has been announced by Iranian leadership.
The fate of the detained crew members remains unclear. Iranian officials have demanded their immediate repatriation, while U.S. authorities have not commented on whether the crew will face legal proceedings. The situation continues to develop as both nations assess the implications of the seizure on regional stability and global energy markets.