Iran’s military has described restrictions imposed by the United States on vessels operating in international waters as illegal, accusing Washington of engaging in conduct it equates to piracy.
The statement was issued on Monday by the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the unified military command of the Iranian Armed Forces, according to reports carried by Xinhua and the News Agency of Nigeria.
The Iranian military said the restrictions placed by the United States on maritime navigation and transit in international waters violate international law and undermine freedom of navigation.
“The restrictions imposed by criminal America on maritime navigation and transit in international waters are illegal and constitute piracy,” the statement read.
The Iranian Armed Forces further warned that Tehran would implement what it described as a permanent mechanism to control maritime activities around the Strait of Hormuz in response to what it called repeated threats from the United States.
It added that Iran would not guarantee the safety of ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman if Iranian ports were threatened, signalling a possible escalation in maritime tensions in the region.
The statement did not provide details of the proposed mechanism but indicated that Iran’s military posture in strategic waterways would be strengthened.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, through which a significant portion of global oil trade passes, making tensions in the area a recurring concern for international energy and security stakeholders.
