Iran Demands UN Action Following US Seizure of Commercial Vessel

Iran's Strong Response to US Vessel Seizure

Iran has formally addressed the United Nations with a stern letter regarding the recent seizure of its commercial ship, Touska, by the United States. The Iranian ambassador to the UN, Amir Saeed Iravani, has called for the immediate release of the vessel and its crew, as reported by Iranian state media.

In a letter directed to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the president of the Security Council, Iravani expressed "urgent concern" over what he termed as continuous violations of international law by the US, particularly the targeting of Iranian commercial vessels. He recounted the incident where US forces captured the Touska in the Sea of Oman, labeling the action as a "hostile and unlawful act."

"This incident involved coercion and intimidation, endangering the lives of the crew and their families," he stated. Iravani emphasized that the seizure of the civilian ship constitutes a significant breach of international law principles, particularly the prohibition against aggression.

He further noted that the intimidation inflicted upon the crew and their families exacerbates the severity of the situation, equating such actions to maritime piracy and warning of a dangerous escalation that threatens vital shipping routes.

Iravani pointed out that the incident aligns with characteristics of aggression as defined in a relevant UN General Assembly resolution and violates a ceasefire declared by former US President Donald Trump on April 7. He warned that this action poses a serious risk to both regional and international peace, further destabilizing an already precarious situation.

The envoy condemned the US actions as unlawful and urged the UN to take prompt and decisive measures, including denouncing the attack, holding accountable those responsible, and advocating for the release of the Touska and all individuals aboard.