New york: Iran's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, has declared that the imposition of a maritime blockade is a grave violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Islamic Republic of Iran. According to Islamic Republic News Agency, Iravani made these remarks in a letter addressed to the UN Secretary-General and the President of the UN Security Council. The letter, sent on Monday, criticized the blockade as a flagrant breach of the prohibition on the threat or use of force as outlined in Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, classifying it as a clear act of aggression under international law. The situation escalated on April 12, 2026, when the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that U.S. forces would begin enforcing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports, following a presidential proclamation. The full text of Iravani's letter outlines the view of the Iranian government that this action constitutes a vio lation of international law, particularly concerning the law of the sea, and infringes upon the rights of third states and lawful maritime commerce. Iran has rejected and condemned the U.S. action, emphasizing its intention to take necessary and proportionate measures to protect its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests. Iran holds the United States entirely responsible for this act and any resulting consequences, including impacts on regional and international peace and security. The letter concludes with a call to the UN Secretary-General and the Security Council to act against the blockade, urging them to condemn the action and prevent further escalation in the region, which could lead to catastrophic consequences for regional and international peace and security.