WANA (Apr 22) – Iran’s Foreign Minister strongly condemned the reported U.S. attack on an Iranian commercial vessel, describing it as a violation of the ceasefire and international law, while stressing that Iran is fully prepared to defend its national interests.

 

Speaking on Tuesday night via a post on X, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi stated that “blockading Iranian ports constitutes an act of war and therefore a breach of the ceasefire,” adding that “attacking a commercial ship and taking its crew hostage represents an even more serious violation.”

 

He emphasized that Iran is well aware of how to confront restrictions, safeguard its interests, and stand firm against coercive actions.

 

Following the incident, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement condemning what it described as a “brutal and unlawful” attack by U.S. forces on the Iranian commercial vessel Touska in the Sea of Oman. According to the statement, the incident occurred Sunday evening near Iran’s coastline and involved intimidation of the ship’s crew and their families.

 

The ministry characterized the attack as “piracy” and a “terrorist act,” noting that it not only violates the fundamental principles of the UN Charter and international law, but also constitutes a clear breach of the April 8 ceasefire understanding and an act of aggression against Iran.

 

Iran has formally raised the issue with the UN Secretary-General, members of the UN Security Council, and the International Maritime Organization, calling for firm and decisive action from international bodies and responsible governments.

 

The statement also warned of the serious consequences of such actions and stressed the urgent need for the immediate release of the vessel and its crew.

 

Concluding the statement, Iran underlined that it will utilize all available means to defend its national security and protect the rights and dignity of its citizens, holding the United States fully responsible for any further escalation in the region.

 

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters provided additional details, stating that U.S. forces opened fire on the vessel in the Sea of Oman, disabled its navigation systems, and deployed armed personnel onto the ship.

 

He warned that Iran’s armed forces will respond to what he described as an act of armed piracy, adding that retaliation will be carried out at an appropriate time.