Iran FM condemns US attacks on oil tankers as violation of international law

In a statement issued on Saturday, Iran's Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the overnight attacks on oil tankers anchored in Iranian waters, describing them as a continuation of the United States' war of aggression against Iran and its blockade on the country's maritime trade.

The ministry asserted that the attacks "constitute a clear violation of Paragraph 4 of Article 2 of the United Nations Charter, constitute a war crime, and represent an overt threat to international peace and the security of commercial shipping." This language underscores Tehran's view that the US actions are not only illegal under international law but also pose a serious danger to global stability.

Iran further emphasized its determination to "decisively defend its sovereignty and national interests against the US's state terrorism and its aggressive actions, including its economic war that has manifested itself in the continued naval blockade and harassment of commercial vessels." This statement reflects the ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, particularly in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.

The attacks come amid heightened US-Iranian friction, with Washington maintaining a significant military presence in the region. Iran has repeatedly called for an end to what it views as US interference and aggression, while the US has cited security concerns and the need to protect international shipping lanes.

According to Mehr News Agency, the Iranian Foreign Ministry's statement did not provide specific details about the attacks, but it clearly linked them to broader US policies aimed at undermining Iran's economy and sovereignty. The ministry's strong wording indicates that Iran may consider further measures to protect its interests and respond to what it perceives as ongoing provocations.