SAEDNEWS: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the United States for attacking an Iranian commercial ship and detaining its crew and their families, warning of serious consequences and calling for their immediate release.
According to Saed News political desk, citing Fars News Agency, Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement today (Tuesday, April 21) regarding the U.S. attack on an Iranian commercial vessel and the detention of its crew and their families.
The statement declares that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the illegal and violent action by the U.S. military in attacking the Iranian commercial ship Tosca, which occurred on Sunday evening, April 19, 2026, near Iran’s coasts in the Sea of Oman.
It adds that the act, which involved intimidation of the ship’s sailors, crew, and their families, constitutes piracy and a terrorist action. It not only violates the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter and international law but also represents another clear breach of the ceasefire understanding dated April 8, 2026, and is considered an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The statement further notes that Iran has brought the matter to the attention of the UN Secretary-General, members of the UN Security Council, and the International Maritime Organization, calling for strong condemnation and decisive action by international bodies and responsible governments regarding what it describes as a criminal U.S. act against international commercial shipping.
Iran also warns of the highly dangerous consequences of this illegal and criminal action and emphasizes the immediate release of the Iranian vessel, as well as its sailors, crew members, and their families.
In conclusion, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states that the Islamic Republic of Iran will undoubtedly use all available capacities to defend its national interests and security, and to safeguard the rights and dignity of Iranians. It stresses that full responsibility for any further escalation in the region lies with the United States.
The report also notes that on Sunday night, April 19, U.S. forces attacked the container ship Tosca and detained its crew.
Earlier, Esmail Baghaei described the U.S. action as a violation of the ceasefire between Iran and the United States.
Additionally, Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in a phone call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, referred to the continued illegal and provocative actions by the United States against Iranian ports and vessels, including the attack on the container ship Tosca and the detention of its crew. He emphasized that the unlawful behavior of the U.S. and the contradictory positions of its leaders are incompatible with claims of diplomacy, and that Iran, while closely monitoring developments, will make appropriate decisions to protect its national interests and security.
