Iran justifies seizure of foreign vessels in the Persian Gulf

Israel National News reports: “Iran has justified its recent seizure of two foreign vessels in the Persian Gulf, claiming the seizures were ‘aimed at countering behaviors and actions in violation of international maritime law’, the Xinhua news agency reported.

In a statement responding to US accusations that Iran has been carrying out increased attacks on commercial shipping, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani said Iran plays the ‘most effective’ role in ensuring maritime security in regional and international waters and has always been a ‘guarantor’ of the ‘harmless and safe’ passage of ships and vessels across the Strait of Hormuz.

The spokesman condemned the US government for ‘compromising maritime security by breaking maritime law and seizing certain Iranian oil shipments in international waters and high seas.’

Iran seized the Marshall Islands-flagged Advantage Sweet on April 27 as it traveled in the Gulf of Oman. Six days later, it seized a second ship, the Niovi, a Panama-flagged tanker as it left a dry dock in Dubai…”

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