Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei criticized US President Donald Trump for labeling the US seizure of Iranian ships as “piracy.” Baghaei emphasized that Trump’s comments openly acknowledged the illegality of the seizure, describing it as a violation of international maritime laws. Trump’s statement about the US Navy acting like pirates during the blockade of Iranian ports was highlighted by Baghaei as a concerning admission of their actions.
Baghaei urged the international community, UN member states, and the UN secretary-general to reject any normalization of such blatant violations of international law. The US initiated an anti-Iran blockade in the Strait of Hormuz after unsuccessful post-ceasefire talks with Tehran in Islamabad on April 11-12. The ceasefire, which began on April 8 after 40 days of conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel, was preceded by joint US and Israeli attacks on Tehran and other Iranian cities on February 28.
Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on US bases and assets in the Middle East while tightening control over the Strait of Hormuz, obstructing vessels associated with Israel and the US from safe passage.
