Iran: Iran's Foreign Ministry has strongly condemned a US attack on an Iranian commercial vessel in the Sea of Oman, describing it as 'maritime piracy,' and a grave violation of international law. The ministry issued a statement on Tuesday, a day after the US military targeted and seized Iranian container ship Touska near Iran's southern coastline.

According to Islamic Republic News Agency, the statement denounced the operation as an act of 'maritime piracy' and 'terrorism,' saying it involved intimidation of the ship's crew and their families. The attack, according to the ministry, 'not only contravenes the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law but also represents a clear violation of the ceasefire agreement enforced on April 8, and an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic.'

The ministry called on the UN secretary-general, the UN Security Council, and the International Maritime Organization, as well as responsible governments to take 'firm and decisive' response to 'the criminal act' against international commercial shipping. It also warned of 'extremely dangerous consequences' resulting from 'the US's criminal and unlawful act', stressing the need for the immediate release of the vessel, its crew, and their families.

Concluding the statement, the ministry emphasized that Iran would use 'all available capacities' to defend its national security and interests, and safeguard the rights and dignity of its citizens, while holding the United States fully responsible for any further escalation in the region.