In a statement on Tuesday, the Foreign Ministry said the incident constitutes a clear violation of international law and the UN Charter, as well as a breach of the ceasefire understanding dated April 8.
What follows is the text of the statement:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly condemns the illegal and brutal action of the US terrorist army in attacking the Iranian commercial vessel ‘Touska’, which took place on the evening of Sunday, April 19, 2026, near Iran’s shores in the Sea of Oman.
This act, which was accompanied by the intimidation of the ship’s sailors, crew, and their families, constitutes piracy and a terrorist act. It is not only in violation of the fundamental principles and rules of the UN Charter and international law, but also represents another clear breach of the ceasefire understanding dated April 8, 2026, and qualifies as an act of aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran.
The Islamic Republic of Iran draws the attention of the UN Secretary-General, members of the UN Security Council, and the International Maritime Organization to the issue, and calls for the condemnation and firm and serious reaction of international bodies and responsible governments to the US criminal action against international commercial shipping.
The Islamic Republic of Iran warns of the highly dangerous consequences of this illegal and criminal act by the United States, stressing the necessity of the immediate release of the Iranian vessel, its sailors, crew, and their families.
The Islamic Republic of Iran will undoubtedly use all its capacities to defend Iran’s national interests and security and to protect the rights and dignity of Iranians. Full responsibility for the further complication of the situation in the region lies with the United States.