Iran Asserts Right to Respond to US Seizure of Oil Tankers, Calls Actions “State-Sponsored Piracy” in UN Complaint

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations has stated that “Iran has every right to counter US’s state-sponsored piracy, terrorism: UN envoy”, as tensions escalate over the seizure of Iranian commercial vessels by the United States.

In a formal letter submitted on Wednesday to the UN Security Council, Amir Saeid Iravani highlighted what he described as ongoing unlawful actions by Washington, including the interception and confiscation of Iranian oil shipments aboard the M/T Majestic and M/T Tifani.

He referenced a public statement by a US attorney, calling it an “explicit and deliberate admission of internationally wrongful conduct,” and accused US authorities of openly acknowledging the seizure of Iranian vessels and the confiscation of approximately 3.8 million barrels of 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.

Iravani further argued that “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).”

The envoy also said these actions meet the definition of aggression under UN General Assembly Resolution 3314, warning that they threaten maritime safety and increase instability 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.

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

The ambassador called on the UN Security Council to condemn the seizures, demand the immediate release of vessels and cargo, and take steps to prevent future incidents.

The dispute comes amid heightened tensions following US maritime actions and Iran’s response, including restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has also rejected renewed talks with Washington while sanctions and blockades remain in place.