Iran has lodged a formal complaint with the United Nations over the United States’ seizure of an Iranian-flagged merchant vessel, condemning the move as “illegal and barbarous”.
In a statement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the complaint was submitted to UN Secretary-General António Guterres and the International Maritime Organization following the interception of the vessel Touska on Monday, reports Al Jazeera.
The ministry said the seizure violated international law as well as the ongoing ceasefire arrangement.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran, while warning of the very dangerous consequences of this illegal and criminal act by the United States, emphasizes the need for the immediate release of the Iranian ship, its sailors, crew, and their families,” the statement said, according to state-run IRNA news agency.
It also alleged that the operation involved intimidation of the ship’s crew and their families.
The development comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington over maritime security and enforcement measures in the region.