Iran's military has sharply criticized recent US maritime restrictions in international waters, labeling them as illegal and equating them to piracy. The statement specifically addresses navigation and transit limitations in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route.
According to the Iranian military, these restrictions represent a violation of international maritime law and threaten the free flow of commerce through one of the world's most important waterways. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical passage for approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments, making any disruption to navigation a matter of international concern.
The military's declaration comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, where maritime security has become increasingly contentious. While the statement did not specify which particular US measures it was referencing, it emphasized that any blockade or restriction on free navigation constitutes what it called 'acts of piracy' under international norms.
This development highlights the continuing geopolitical friction surrounding key maritime chokepoints and raises questions about how international shipping corridors will be managed amid competing national security interests.