Iranian MPs denounce US seizure of oil tankers in Caribbean as maritime piracy

Tehran - BORNA - In a statement read on Wednesday by Mojtaba Bakhshipour, a member of parliament’s presiding board, the lawmakers said the US seizure and pursuit of commercial tankers, alongside its growing military footprint near Venezuela, reflect a reckless and unlawful approach to international affairs.

“The interception or obstruction of commercial vessels on the high seas without authorization from competent international bodies constitutes maritime piracy,” the statement read, adding that such conduct violates international maritime law and the principle of freedom of navigation.

The lawmakers warned that the expanding US military presence in the Caribbean undermines regional security, and shows open disregard for national sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations.

They held Washington fully responsible for “any regional tensions, instability, and unintended security and political consequences,” stressing that US actions risk dragging the region into further confrontation.

The statement also expressed solidarity with the Venezuelan government and people, calling for an immediate end to US threats, sanctions, and pressure against Caracas.