Iravani: US Targets Commercial Ships and Endangers Global Shipping
Speaking after a UN Security Council debate on the safety of waterways, Iravani strongly condemned recent US measures, alleging that Washington has engaged in unlawful actions against Iranian commercial vessels, including seizures in international waters and detention of crew members. He described these actions as equivalent to piracy and hostage-taking.
The Iranian envoy stated that Iran has consistently upheld freedom of navigation and maritime security in the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, emphasizing Tehran’s long-standing role as a responsible coastal state.
He further claimed that since late February, the United States and Israel have conducted what he called an “unlawful war of aggression” against Iran, violating the UN Charter and destabilizing regional security. According to Iravani, the so-called US maritime blockade constitutes a breach of international law and falls under the definition of aggression outlined in UN General Assembly Resolution 3314.
Iravani criticized what he described as double standards within the international community, arguing that concerns over freedom of navigation are inconsistent with silence over US actions. He said Washington’s policies directly threaten international shipping and expose what he called selective application of international norms.
The envoy also defended Iran’s own measures in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that they are based on national law and international maritime principles, and are intended to balance coastal security with safe navigation in a volatile environment.
He added that Iran is not a party to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and therefore is only bound by provisions recognized as customary international law.
Concluding his remarks, Iravani said responsibility for any disruption to maritime transport lies with the United States and its supporters, rejecting any alternative interpretations of the situation.
